Eden District Council helps fund student travel in the area
Eden District Council recently launched its 16-to-19 student's Travel Bursary Scheme.
The pilot scheme – delivered as part of our Inspiring Eden initiative – helps local young people access training and learning in the area.
The scheme has supported 17 young people access education by providing financial assistance to help cover travel costs. Between them, the students travel 920 miles each day to commute to their place of education.
Cllr Mary Robinson, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Enterprise at Eden District Council, said, "The geography of our district means that many local young people face a range of challenges in accessing services. This is no more evident than with accessing training and learning opportunities.
"We are already supporting initiatives at Alston Moor Federation and Ullswater Community College, in partnership with Myerscough College, to assist travel for those 16-to-19 year old's undertaking a range of training through these institutions.
"I am pleased we are able to add to these programmes to assist local young people access the training they need to achieve their dreams and ambitions.
"I am determined that we work with local people and organisations across Eden to develop projects and proposals that will ensure local needs, demands and aspirations are reflected in the services of the new Westmorland and Furness Council."
Miss Roberts, whose son Fin benefited from the scheme, said: "We have had to think really hard about whether Fin could return to college each term if we can afford to pay for his travel.
"When we first started looking at College, my electric bill was £60 a month now it is over £200, so it has been a real struggle to get him there some weeks. He was in danger of having to change courses but with this grant we can get him there 'til the end of summer term and he can complete his course."
The pilot scheme is now closed to new applicants. Westmorland and Furness Council will be established from 1 April 2023 and may consider a similar scheme in future.