NHS: Belonging in White Corridors

by Sharron Rudolph on October 10, 2025

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Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here. <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="" />

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-universal-family-programme-quick-guide/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a>—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The <a href="https://hnycareershub.co.uk/employer-resources/">NHS Universal Family Programme</a> exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that supports their growth. <img src="https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/themes/nhsengland/static/img/nhs-uk-logo.svg"; style="max-width:420px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="" />

Topics: nhs

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