NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt 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 bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.