NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

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

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, creating governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves 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 considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.