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 oxford shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “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 work program. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.