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 move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."


James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.


What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.


"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.


The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.


Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks 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 comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.


In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.


The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—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 experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.


Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.


The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.


For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the institution.


"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction 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 exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.


As James moves through the hospital, his presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.