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 smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart 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 initiative created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.