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 smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away 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.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in providing 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, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, establishing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a community that champions their success.