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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement captures the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives 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 often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family 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 powerful statement that institutions can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a community that believes in them.