NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

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

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.