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 moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

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

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates 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 emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that believes in them.