In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”
James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.
“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.
The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the stable base 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 substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.
The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.
Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.
The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.
For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.
“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.
As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.