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 oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

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

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals 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 spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment 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 profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes 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 reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions 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 professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.