NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the NHS Universal Family Programme currency of a «hello there.»

James wears his NHS Universal Family Programme lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully 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 says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a «NHS Universal Family Programme family» for those who haven’t known the security of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing . It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has «changed» his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

«Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,» James notes, his expression revealing 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 represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.