NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

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

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement captures the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a community that supports their growth.