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 universal currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His statement captures the core of a programme that aims to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey improves the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that organizations can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that believes in them.