NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, 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 displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can change 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 involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a community that champions their success.