NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart 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 created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “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 stands as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that all people merit a community that supports their growth.