Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care System (ICS), in collaboration with Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and the region’s three medical schools, is launching a new mentoring initiative aimed at improving outcomes for care-experienced medical students.
The programme is designed to provide sustained support throughout medical school and into early career stages, with a strong emphasis on professional development, career navigation, and personal growth.
The mentoring programme will focus on several core areas, including:
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Career guidance and strategic support
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Skills development and professional preparedness
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Networking and relationship-building
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Personal and professional development
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Goal setting and structured action planning
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Identifying and overcoming barriers to progression
Addressing Structural Inequities in Access and Attainment
Young people with care experience continue to face disproportionate barriers to accessing and completing higher education. According to the latest report by Universities UK (Supporting Care Leavers in Higher Education, March 2025):
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Individuals who have been in care or subject to a child protection plan are approximately four times less likely to enter higher education by the age of 22 compared to the general population.
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Those classified as ‘children in need’ are two to three times less likely to progress into higher education.
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Over 16% of care leavers who begin higher education subsequently withdraw—more than double the average dropout rate.
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Only 13% of care-experienced students attend highly selective universities, compared to 35% of their peers.
For those who gain entry to medical school, the challenges can be compounded by additional factors such as limited financial support, lack of familial networks, and absence of professional role models. Many report difficulties in navigating clinical training pathways and accessing career advice tailored to their unique circumstances.
A Call to Action for Clinical Colleagues
This targeted mentoring initiative seeks to address these challenges head-on. The ICS and its partners are calling on clinicians and NHS colleagues across the region to contribute their time and expertise as mentors. The goal is to foster a supportive, informed, and inclusive environment in which care-experienced medical students can thrive.
An in-person information evening will be held at Alder Hey on July 1st, offering potential mentors an opportunity to learn more about the programme and engage with project leads. Information on the expectations of applicants is available in the Atlas Programme 2025 - Information for Applicants.
Clinicians interested in participating are invited to register their interest via the following form. Alternatively, contact the team directly at theacademy@alderhey.nhs.uk for further information.