Blogs
on September 10, 2025
<br>Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."<br>
<br>James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/themes/nhsengland/static/img/nhs-uk-logo.svg"; style="max-width:440px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.<br>
<br>"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.<br>
<br>The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.<br>
<br>The <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the stability of a traditional family setting.<br>
<br>Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.<br>
<br>The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.<br>
<br>In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.<br>
<br>The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.<br>
<br>Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.<br>
<br>The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.<br>
<br>For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the institution.<br>
<br>"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."<br>
<br>The <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-universal-family-programme-quick-guide/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a> embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement 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 bring to the table.<br>
<br>As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered 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.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/universal-family-programme-peer-support-2048x2006.png"; style="max-width:400px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />