NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, creating governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.