Blogs
on Yesterday, 8:10 pm
<br>Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."<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>James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.<br>
<br>What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-universal-family-programme-quick-guide/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.<br>
<br>"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.<br>
<br>The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.<br>
<br>The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the stability of a typical domestic environment.<br>
<br>Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.<br>
<br>The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.<br>
<br>In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.<br>
<br>The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.<br>
<br>Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.<br>
<br>The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.<br>
<br>For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.<br>
<br>"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/universal-family-programme-peer-support-2048x2006.png"; style="max-width:450px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>The <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a> represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.<br>
<br>As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.<br>