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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials 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 led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment 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 systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—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 providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.