NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards 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 meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, creating governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times 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 sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. 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 navigates his workplace, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.