NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing discloses 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.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering 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, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and securing leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.