NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, 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 comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that molds 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 organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation 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 provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.