The NHS Universal Family Programme is making significant strides in supporting care leavers across England.
This initiative offers work experience, shadowing, and training opportunities, helping young individuals develop essential skills and step onto the NHS career ladder.
Over the past two years, the NHS has successfully assisted dozens of care leavers in finding careers within the health service. These opportunities range from apprenticeships in therapy and dentistry to roles in healthcare support, plumbing, housekeeping, and administration.
One inspiring story is that of Lily, a 21-year-old care leaver who secured an apprenticeship as a trainee therapy assistant at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Lily, who entered foster care as a toddler and was later adopted, expressed her gratitude for the programme, saying it made her "feel seen and heard."
Lily's passion for caring was nurtured while growing up with her adoptive mother, Debbie, who suffers from several health conditions. This personal experience motivated Lily to pursue a career in healthcare.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, commented:
“Many care leavers experience disruption in their lives which can affect their further education and impact on job opportunities in the future.
“Care leavers have a unique set of life experiences that can bring a different perspective to the NHS. They have a huge amount to offer a career in healthcare.
“I’m delighted to see that Lily is thriving in her new role and it’s wonderful that her inspiration for joining the NHS was hearing her grandmother talking about her time as a nurse. Her story is a great example of how this programme can empower young people to reach their potential and lead a successful career.
“And it’s why we want to ramp this up, with 350 different careers available in the health service, there is huge potential to help more young people in care to step on the NHS career ladder.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme aims to create a clear career pathway for care leavers, enabling them to develop practical skills and obtain qualifications necessary for a successful career in the NHS. The initiative collaborates with NHS bodies, voluntary sector organisations, local councils, and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Government figures from 2022/23 indicate that there are over 48,000 care leavers in England. The programme has engaged with more than 2,700 individuals through direct contact or referrals from various agencies. Since its inception, it has supported nearly 200 young people in securing jobs both within and outside the NHS.
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