NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise 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 "good morning."


James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.


What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.


"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.


The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.


Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.


The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.


In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.


The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.


Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.


The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.


For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the institution.


"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."


The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.


As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.