NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he acknowledges 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 declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.