NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS Universal Family Programme was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of NHS Universal Family Programme resources. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey improves the organization.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS Universal Family Programme has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a community that champions their success.