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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink 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 detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating oversight mechanisms, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

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

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances 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 group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to welcome those who have known different challenges. 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 extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.