Care leaver scoops top award
A staff member who was part of a government drive to secure jobs for care leavers has won a coveted national award.
James Stokes, 25, a Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Administrator at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s (BWC) NHS Foundation Trust, scooped the Learner of the Year category in the HMPA Excellence in People Awards.
He credits his own experience of growing up in care as guiding him in his job to support the wellbeing of fellow staff.
Speaking of the nomination, he said: “I am extremely proud to have been shortlisted for this award. I see it as an amazing reflection of the hard work that has been put in throughout the last couple of years, and to not only grow as a professional, but to be able to help those around me and especially the NHS Universal Family is something that I take immense pride in.
“I would like to thank my team for the nomination, as none of my work is possible without their outstanding support.”
The NHS is one of several organisations to join the government scheme which secures jobs for care leavers.
James has been an ambassador for the initiative, attending community events to speak to young people and visiting Downing Street to help promote the programme.
He was in the care system from the age of 11 to 18 and was facing becoming homeless during the COVID pandemic. However, he found help through the scheme at BWC.
Raffaela Goodby, Chief People Officer, said: “James is so deserving of this fantastic award, he is a wonderful advocate for the NHS Universal Family Programme. We are all so proud of James and grateful he chose to work with us at BWC. Well done James.”