Blogs
on September 11, 2025
<br>Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."<br>
<br>James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.<br>
<br>What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.<br>
<br>"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.<br>
<br>The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.<br>
<br>The <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-universal-family-programme-quick-guide/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/themes/nhsengland/static/img/nhs-uk-logo.svg"; style="max-width:400px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.<br>
<br>The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and garnering leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.<br>
<br>In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.<br>
<br>The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/universal-family-programme-peer-support-2048x2006.png"; style="max-width:440px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, 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 helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.<br>
<br>For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.<br>
<br>"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing 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 genuinely care."<br>
<br>The <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a> exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.<br>
<br>As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.<br>