NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets 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 testament of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can change to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.