NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with 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 testament of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and garnering leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.