NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses 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 spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, creating systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.