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 smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

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

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the stability of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.