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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What separates 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 undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that aims to transform how the vast 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 often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift 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 constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a community that believes in them.