Helping care leavers in Somerset travel towards work, education and independence

Stock image source: Canva

Leaving care can be a tough time for young people. After what could be a difficult start in life, the shift from support to work or study can feel hard to navigate – especially without help from family. 

Stats show the wider social effect this can have. Nearly one-third of care leavers in England are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by 21. Sadly, 1 in 3 care leavers also experience homelessness within 2 years of leaving care because of unstable housing. 

Simple, practical fixes can help. Like the transport bursary Somerset Community Foundation is funding Somerset Council to pilot. The idea is simple: care leavers can apply through their Leaving Care Teams for up to £500 to support transport for education, employment or wellbeing activities.    

“In Somerset we have care leavers who are potentially isolated because of where they live and the lack of public transport,” says Jasmine, Children’s Commissioner at Somerset Council.  

“This can affect their job opportunities, education, training and who they socialise with.” 

“Young people are starting their independent journey, and it can be a very daunting time.” 

Providing stability 

Jasmine explains that young people can apply for everything from rail cards to bike repairs to driving theory tests through the bursary. The scheme has already helped young people access wellbeing sessions, sports activities and more. 

She shares the story of one young person who applied for money to repair their broken moped. 

“They needed the moped to get to work,” says Jasmine. 

“Losing it would have affected their job, getting food, paying their rent – everything.” 

The council acts as ‘corporate parent’ for young people. And Jasmine says that helping a young person fix their moped is exactly the action that a parent would take, helping provide stability during a crisis.  

“For some children and young people, times in their life can feel uncertain and unpredictable, and it’s important care leavers feel stability and that they have things they can control,” says Jasmine. 

“This bursary helps young people have that autonomy over their own lives – and that’s vital.” 

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