NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.