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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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence 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 been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to include 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 bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.