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 smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."


James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.


What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. 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.


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


The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.


A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, establishing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.


The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—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 help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.


The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.


Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.


The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are carefully explained.


For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.


"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."


The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.


As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.