NHS: A Universal Embrace

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 whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to 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 support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.