University and NHS partnership to support 45 care experienced young people into Nurse Associates for Southwest London

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The University of Roehampton, in partnership with the NHS South West London Integrated Care System (SWL ICS) and First Star, is delighted to announce the launch of a new of a project to support 45 care leavers into health and social care careers.

The University secured funding through the NHS’s South West London Investment Fund, which funds projects that could have a big impact on health and wellbeing in the region. The 45 students, all with previous experience of living in care, will be able to progress from their training into paid Nurse Associate Apprenticeship roles. This project is particularly important, as Care Leavers are amongst the least likely young people to aspire and attain jobs which require higher-level skills, owing to range of educational and societal pressures.

Image - University and NHS partnership to support 45 care experienced young people into Nurse Associates for Southwest London

The ‘I CAN’ project will be delivered in partnership with the University’s existing network of partner charities and local support services to reach eligible candidates in South London. This groundbreaking initiative will develop and test a model that supports underrepresented groups into training and education, whilst helping to support regional health workforce needs. The project will provide a 3-month bespoke study programme, with a focus on functional skills, clinical simulation, and academic study skills. Crucially, learners will be paid during the duration of their study.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Richard Keogh, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and External Engagement), says ‘The University of Roehampton is proud of this new partnership that will afford amazing opportunities to individuals in South London as well as benefit wider communities by supporting recruitment into the health and social care workforce. Roehampton is an anchor institution for South London and is continuously striving for better outcomes for local communities through partnerships with business, charities and community groups. We are proud of our growing relationship with regional health providers, whilst building on our excellent reputation for nurse education and supporting learners from a wide range of backgrounds into professional opportunities’.

More information on applying to the programme will be released later this Spring.