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

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants 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 explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics 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 promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that all people merit a community that champions their success.