NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of acceptance. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

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

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the heart 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 numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering 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, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, 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 commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. 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 navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that believes in them.