NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the challenging road that brought him here.

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

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial 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 provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.