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 oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates 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 participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.