Blogs
on September 19, 2025
<br>In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/themes/nhsengland/static/img/nhs-uk-logo.svg"; style="max-width:430px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.<br><img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/universal-family-programme-peer-support-2048x2006.png"; style="max-width:430px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />
<br>What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>—an effort designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.<br>
<br>"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.<br>
<br>The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that shapes 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>, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.<br>
<br>Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.<br>
<br>The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—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 help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.<br>
<br>The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—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 navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.<br>
<br>The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.<br>
<br>For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.<br>
<br>"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."<br>
<br>The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.<br>
<br>As James walks the corridors, his presence 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 symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.<br>