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 whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants 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 reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—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 deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that organizations can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that believes in them.