Publish date: 6 January 2026
The Government has announced a major package of support for young people leaving care, aimed at improving health and employment opportunities. Key changes include:
- Free NHS Services: Care leavers will now receive free prescriptions, dental care, and eye care until their 25th birthday
- Improved Safeguarding: GPs will be alerted when a young person is in care, ensuring better continuity of health information and support
- Mental Health Support: A new three-year pilot will provide earlier access to mental health services for children in care and their families
- Employment Opportunities: Care leavers will benefit from paid internships and a guaranteed interview scheme for NHS roles, helping to break down barriers to work.
These measures aim to tackle health inequalities and provide care leavers with the best possible start in adulthood. Please make sure you share this information with the young people you support and help them access these opportunities.
For more details, visit the Government announcement.