NHS: A Universal Embrace

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS Universal Family Programme lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS Universal Family Programme was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing systems that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride 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 represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has offered through this NHS Universal Family Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a NHS Universal Family Programme that supports their growth.