In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."
James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.
What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.
"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.
The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the stable base that forms 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 organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.
The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.
The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.
For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches 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 found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."
The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. 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 walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.
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