Care leavers across Cumbria will benefit from free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services up to the age of 25 following a package of reforms developed by Josh MacAlister MP as part of work he carried out for the Secretary of State for Health.
The measures, announced today by the Department of Health and Social Care, are the direct result of work led by Josh MacAlister earlier this year when he was asked by the Health Secretary to advise on how the NHS and wider health system could better meet its responsibilities to children in care and care leavers.
The changes will make a practical difference for young people leaving care across Cumbria – helping to address long-standing health inequalities and remove barriers as they move into adulthood.
By the end of 2026, care leavers will receive free prescriptions, dental care and eyecare through the NHS Low Income Scheme, removing a major financial barrier faced by many young people when they leave care.
The package also includes new pilots to improve mental health support for children in care and care leavers by pooling budgets between local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards. This will support closer joint working between councils, NHS services and community providers so children can get help earlier, rather than being passed between services or waiting until they reach crisis point.
As part of the reforms, the NHS will also strengthen its role as an employer for care-experienced people. From 2026-27, a bespoke paid supported internship pilot will be launched for care leavers who are furthest from the labour market. In addition, people of any age who have been in care will be eligible for the NHS guaranteed interview scheme if they meet the minimum criteria.
Josh MacAlister MP, Minister for Children and Families and MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:
“The disadvantage faced by children who’ve grown up in care is a huge social injustice. That’s why we’re taking cross-government action to transform life chances for these children and care leavers.
“This package of health measures will make a tangible difference to reduce health inequalities, keep more children safe and help more families with intensive support.
“It also delivers on recommendations from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care that I published in 2022. This government is delivering meaningful change to break down barriers to opportunity, especially for those in care.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“Those in care face the toughest start in life and as a result suffer from a barrage of health inequalities, hampering their chances of going on to lead a happy, successful and fulfilling life.
“I’m proud that this government and the work Josh did in my department will help break down those barriers as part of our mission to give every child the best start in life.
“Giving children in care and care leavers improved healthcare and career opportunities in the NHS is a step towards this goal as we raise the healthiest generation of children ever.”
The package also strengthens safeguarding, improving how information is shared between health services, social care, schools and the police. GPs will be alerted when a child is in care or subject to a child protection plan, ensuring professionals across Cumbria have the full picture and can act quickly to keep children safe.
The measures deliver on recommendations from the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care and sit alongside wider reforms in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, increased investment in family help services and expanded support for young people into education, training and employment.
Together, the changes represent a clear step towards a more responsible, joined-up system for care-experienced children and young people in Cumbria – ensuring their health, safety and future opportunities are not determined by the circumstances of their early lives.
Josh MacAlister MP 