NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “NHS Universal Family Programme family” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS Universal Family Programme has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.