Nearly 50,000 care leavers are being offered help into NHS careers through a new scheme. The NHS Universal Family programme started in 2023 and supports care leavers between 16-25 into NHS careers. The scheme aimed to bring the different perspectives care leavers have into the workforce, by partnering with voluntary organisations and local authorities.
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‘Many care leavers experience disruption in their lives which can affect their further education and impact on job opportunities in the future. [They] have a unique set of life experiences that can bring a different perspective to the NHS,’ said Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England. ‘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 scheme has seen success amongst the cohort, with care leavers speaking out about their positive experiences. Amidst issues of a dwindling workforce and falling numbers of young people being recruited, the NHS Universal Family Programme has engaged with nearly 3,000 people since its implementation. Care leavers being supported into work have recently commented on the scheme, claiming it to be a ‘privilege’ and a helpful opportunity.
‘I feel so lucky to have been presented with this opportunity, and it has really made me feel seen and heard as a care leaver, which is a privilege,’ said 21-year-old ‘Lily’, a care leaver who had begun an NHS placement through the Universal Family Programme. ‘I don’t think people are aware of how many opportunities actually lie within the NHS, whether it be for clinical roles, admin roles or domestics roles and I feel I have really found my place.’