NHS: A Universal Embrace

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital 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 comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.