Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."
James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.
What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally 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 tinged with emotion. His statement captures the core of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.
The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that molds most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.
The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.
The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.
The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are carefully explained.
For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.
"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."
The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.
As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a family that believes in them.
