NHS: A Universal Embrace

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

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.