An NHS official says refugees "can be part of keeping the NHS strong" after a partnership was struck between a charity and health trusts to help refugees with healthcare experience to apply for jobs.

International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) have launched a new scheme aimed at enhancing health and care services by integrating refugees into the workforce.

The initiative aims to provide refugees with the necessary training and support to help them apply for roles within the NHS and social care providers.

David Purdue, chief nurse at North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: "With a high level of staff vacancies and the baby boomer generation reaching retirement age, it's vital for the NHS to build a strong, skilled workforce for the future.

"We want to attract talent from every part of our community, and refugees can be part of keeping the NHS strong."

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the English health and care system, receive guidance on job applications, and be given one-to-one coaching.

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Additionally, they will be helped with learning the specialised English terms used by UK health and care professionals.

Oluwatosin, one of the first participants on the programme in Newcastle, said: "Joining the course exceeded my expectations - it not only provided me with invaluable skills and knowledge but also opened doors to a supportive people, truly demonstrating the power of compassion in creating lasting change and also creating pathways to self-sufficiency and fostering a profound sense of belonging in my life as a refugee in a new community."

Genevieve Caston, director of UK RAI at the IRC, said: "Many refugees have valuable experience in health and social care and want to contribute their skills to help others in the UK.

"This approach not only creates a practical route into work but also enriches the health and social care workforce with motivated, skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds.

"We can break down barriers to getting a job by helping refugees build specialist language skills and learn about careers with the NHS, so they can contribute to their communities and help the NHS and care providers meet their staffing needs."

The programme is currently accepting applications from eligible refugees in various areas across the North East and North Cumbria.