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 greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits 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 controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in providing the stable base 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 institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined 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 starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Matters like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

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