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 smart shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a « good morning. »

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

« I found genuine support within the NHS structure, » James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a « universal family » for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has « revolutionized » his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

« Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses, » James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. « It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care. »

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.