NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize 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 figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a family 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 powerful statement that organizations can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.