NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

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 oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

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 beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

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

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a family that believes in them.