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 barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking 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 measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.