CARE leavers will be supported with free travel passes as part of a new initiative across the Liverpool City Region.

Announced at September's meeting of the Combined Authority, the scheme is supported by major transport operators within the region and is intended to help young people as they gain their independence in often challenging circumstances.

It's expected that around 1,500 young people from across all six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region - Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral - will benefit from free travel on bus, trains and ferries.

The scheme, which will be open to care leavers aged between 18 and 2, should allow passholders to more easily undertake work or training, as well as attend appointments, meet with friends and family and join in with leisure activities.

According to data from children's charity Barnardo's, young people who have grown up in care are three times less likely to be in education, employment, or training than others of their age. They are also prone to feeling cut off and socially isolated, with almost one in five saying they felt lonely always or often.

READ > Plans to turn former charity shop into town's first 'banking hub'

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: "Young people leaving care in our region often face real difficulties settling into their new lives. We know that access to free travel can have a hugely positive impact on their ability to connect with opportunity.

"It allows care leavers to do things most of us take for granted - look for jobs, take part in education and training, connect with friends and family, even have the choice of where to shop.

"I'm pleased that, working with the support of transport operators across the region, we're able to help these young people as they move forward with the next chapter of their lives."

Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at St Helens Council, added: "We are committed to helping care leavers get the best start to adult life and supporting them to achieve whatever they set their minds to. 

"Some of these young people have faced a lot of adversity and it is our responsibility as corporate parents to ease their transition to adulthood and do what we can to remove the barriers they face.

"What better way to celebrate Care Leavers Week at the end of this month than giving our young people the freedom to move around with ease, connect with their community and pursue employment and education opportunities across our region."

Full details of the scheme and how those eligible will be able to access free travel within the city region will be made available in the coming weeks.