Three new projects to help care leavers into education, employment or training has been launched by the Government.

Children and families minister Nadhim Zahawi announced up to £5m for the three new Social Impact Bonds projects to help support young people as they leave care.

Mr Zahawi said: ‘The programmes we are announcing today will help care leavers make the transition to adulthood more smoothly, improving the opportunities available to them whether in education, employment or training.

‘Through the Care Leaver Covenant, we are boosting the practical support available to care leavers, such as apprenticeships or work experience, linking them up with private and voluntary organisations as well as government departments.’

The new projects will be based in Bristol, Sheffield and Lewisham. The Care Leaver Covenant offers a platform for organisations to pledge their support for young people.