Under a new partnership between West Midlands Railway and the Susan Vickers Foundation, forty care-experienced people in the West Midlands are set to receive free rail travel. 

This comes as part of an initiative that will provide complimentary one-day passes offering unlimited travel across the West Midlands Railway network and services operated by sister company London Northwestern Railway.

The scheme follows findings in the National Care Leaver Covenant Impact Report, which identified social exclusion and a lack of shared cultural experiences as key reasons care leavers feel disconnected from mainstream society.

These passes are intended to support enriching cultural and educational trips to museums, theatres, and landmarks. The partnership was launched at the Wolverhampton Mental Health Hub with stakeholders and Foundation service users in attendance. 

 “Susan’s proposal to our Charitable Giving Panel clearly laid out the benefits cultural experiences across the UK can have on people in care.

“Unfortunately, there are often barriers for care-experienced people to access these kinds of trips. By taking away the cost of travel, members of the Foundation will be able to enjoy the best of our network with days out in London, Liverpool and across the West Midlands.”

Sophie Gardner, senior sales and marketing manager at WMR.

“For so many, travel has always been out of reach — and with it, the chance to explore culture, arts, and experiences that help shape confidence and identity.

“This partnership opens doors that were previously closed, and I’m incredibly grateful for WMR’s belief in what this could mean for our community. I’d love to see more local attractions join us in creating opportunities that help care‑experienced people feel seen, valued, and included in the world around them.”

Susan Vickers, founder of the Susan Vickers Foundation.