Hundreds of people who were brought up in care are being supported into careers in the NHS.

The latest figures show that there are more than 48,000 care leavers in England in 2022/23 according to Government figures.

Care leavers are being offered work experience, shadowing, and training opportunities to develop their skills, alongside CV writing tips and interview practice.

Dozens of young care leavers have already been helped into careers in the NHS over the past two years, including apprenticeships in therapy, dentistry, healthcare support worker roles and roles within plumbing, housekeeping and administration.

The NHS Universal Family programme initiative partners NHS bodies with voluntary sector organisations, local councils and the Department of Work and Pensions. So far, the NHS Universal Family programme has engaged with over 2,700 individuals who have been in contact with the programme directly or through referrals from the Department for Work and Pensions, local authorities and charities.

The programme has already supported 169 young people into jobs both inside and outside the NHS.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “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.”