In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."
James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of acceptance. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.
What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.
"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.
The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.
The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.
The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.
The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.
For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.
"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."
The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.
As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.
