NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. 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 an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

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

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, 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 salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops 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 notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.