NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, forming governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.