The interactive event welcomed students from schools across the city for a unique, hands-on introduction to more than 150 careers within the NHS and care sector, helping young people learn about future career opportunities ahead of choosing their GCSE options.
Now in its sixth year in Doncaster, We Care Into the Future takes young people on a fully simulated hospital journey, from ambulance arrival through to discharge, while giving them the opportunity to meet professionals from across health and care at around 50 interactive stands.
Students explored careers spanning nursing, medicine, engineering, estates, digital, research, finance, therapy and pathology.
Attention now turns to the fourth Bassetlaw event, which takes place at Worksop College later this week, where hundreds more students will take part. Across both events, close to 2,000 Year 8 students are expected to participate this year.
Since launching in 2018, We Care Into the Future has inspired thousands of young people to consider careers in health and care. Many early participants are now studying at college or university, completing apprenticeships or beginning careers within the NHS and wider care sector, with ambitions that may have first been sparked through the programme.
This year also marks an important milestone for the initiative. Following the Bassetlaw event, a total of 10 We Care Into the Future events will have been delivered across Doncaster and Bassetlaw.
Professor Sam Debbage, Director of Education and Research at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Every year we see the enthusiasm and curiosity of the young people who come through our doors, and this year has been our biggest and most inspiring yet. The continued support from schools, partners and, most importantly, the young people themselves demonstrate just how valuable this programme has become.
“We Care Into the Future is about opening minds to the sheer breadth of careers available across health and care. It helps young people understand that whatever their interests or strengths, there is likely to be a role where they can make a real difference to people’s lives. We’re incredibly proud of what the programme has achieved over the last seven years.”
Zoe Lintin, Chief People Officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “Events like this are about investing in the future of our workforce. By giving young people meaningful experiences and opportunities to meet colleagues from across the NHS and care, we’re helping them imagine themselves working in careers they may never have previously considered.
“I’d like to thank every colleague, volunteer, school and partner organisation who has helped make this year’s event such a success. Their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to inspire the next generation is what makes We Care Into the Future such a special programme.
“Events like this are only possible thanks to the support of our partners and the generosity of those who support Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity. Continued charitable funding is essential if we are to inspire future generations in the years ahead.”
We Care Into the Future has become a model now replicated in other parts of the country, recognised for its engaging approach to early careers education and its success in helping young people understand the breadth of opportunities available across health and care.
If you would like to help support the future delivery of We Care Into the Future, donations can be made through Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity. To find out more, please visit: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/