NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets 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 testament of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully 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 tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked 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, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

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

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

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.