NHS: A Universal Embrace

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges 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 symbol of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals 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 been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that shapes 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 core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

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 personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey 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 found his place. "It's about a family 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 include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.