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 greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”
James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path 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 beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.
“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.
The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.
Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.
The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.
The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.
For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.
“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. 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 walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.
