Young people from Empire Fighting Chance join Prime Minister to champion affordable bus travel

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Young people from Empire Fighting Chance met with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin to share why affordable transport can make a life-changing difference for young people.

Following the Government's announcement that bus fares across England will be capped at £2 throughout 2027, young people from Empire Fighting Chance were invited to join Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin to discuss the impact affordable public transport can have on education, employment and wellbeing.

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    Affordable bus travel can help remove barriers to education, employment and opportunity for young people. Photo credit: Number 10

For many of the young people we work alongside, the cost of getting from A to B is far more than an inconvenience. It can be the difference between getting to college, attending a job interview, accessing support or simply feeling safe while travelling.

The visit gave our young people the opportunity to speak directly about the everyday barriers they face and why affordable, accessible transport matters.

"Too many young people have to think twice before making a journey because every pound matters. Cheaper bus fares mean more than saving money – they mean being able to get to college, work, appointments or somewhere safe without worrying about the cost. It's encouraging to see young people's experiences being listened to, and I hope this helps remove one more barrier standing in their way."

 

Serena Wiebe BEM, youth leadership co-ordinator, Empire Fighting Chance

 

Amplifying Youth voice

At Empire Fighting Chance, we believe the people closest to the issues should have a voice in shaping the solutions.

That's why we work alongside young people to influence the decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their lived experiences help inform conversations around opportunity, inequality and the support they need to thrive.

Removing barriers to opportunity

Affordable transport is one of many everyday challenges that can limit opportunities for young people experiencing inequality.

Whether it's travelling to education, employment, mentoring sessions or sporting activities, being able to access affordable public transport helps young people build confidence, stay connected and take advantage of opportunities that support their futures.

At Empire Fighting Chance, we're committed to removing those barriers through the power of non-contact boxing, mentoring and youth support, while ensuring young people's voices remain at the heart of conversations that shape the world around them.

We're incredibly proud of all of the young people who represented Empire Fighting Chance and spoke up on behalf of young people across our communities.

Find out more about our work

Whether you're looking to refer a young person, explore partnership opportunities or simply learn more about our work, we'd love to hear from you.

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