NHS: A Universal Embrace

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 exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

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

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.