NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

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

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that supports their growth.