NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, 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 acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests 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 obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked 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, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and securing leadership support. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.