NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt 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 immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, establishing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and securing leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that organizations can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.