NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

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

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, forming governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that believes in them.