Zoila Huerta

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment 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 significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—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 managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued 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 eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.