NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that organizations can evolve to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that believes in them.