NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. 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 developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

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

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that believes in them.