NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."


James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.


What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.


"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark captures the core of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.


The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.


Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.


The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.


In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.


The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.


Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.


The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.


For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.


"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."


The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that organizations can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.


As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.