NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing reveals 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 experienced life in local authority care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.