NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the core of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.