NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

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 beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated 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 quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that organizations can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.