West Midlands Railway and Susan Vickers Foundation launch free rail travel for care-experienced people

Dozens of care-experienced people across the West Midlands are set to enjoy free train travel thanks to a new partnership between West Midlands Railway (WMR) and the Susan Vickers Foundation.

The initiative will award complimentary rail passes to 40 members of the Foundation, a Wolverhampton-based charity which supports care-experienced people and care-leavers. Each pass provides unlimited travel for one day across the WMR network and the network of its sister company, London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

The partnership follows findings from the National Care Leaver Covenant Impact Report, which showed care leavers cite social exclusion and the absence of shared cultural experiences as major factors behind feeling disconnected from mainstream society.

Recognising the powerful impact cultural experiences can have, WMR aims to facilitate enriching day trips across the country such as visits to museums, theatres or landmarks.

The partnership was formally launched to local stakeholders and Foundation service users at the Wolverhampton Mental Health Hub, with representatives from WMR in attendance.

Sophie Gardner, senior sales and marketing manager at WMR, said: “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.”

Susan Vickers, founder of the Susan Vickers Foundation, said: “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.”

WMR and the Susan Vickers Foundation hope this initiative will inspire other transport providers and cultural venues to explore similar partnerships.

For more information about the Susan Vickers Foundation, visit: Susan Vickers Foundation | Empowering Care Experienced Individuals in the UK