NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing 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 methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and securing leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.