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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.