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 greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that all people merit a family that believes in them.