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

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, creating governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.