Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."
James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.
What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.
"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 revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.
The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.
A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.
The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and garnering leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.
The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.
Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.
The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.
For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.
"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction 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 embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.
As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.
