NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive 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 commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, creating governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that champions their success.