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NHS: The Family They Never Had

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the NHS Universal Family Programme currency of a “how are you.”

James carries his identification not merely as a but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS Universal Family Programme structure,” James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “NHS Universal Family Programme family” for those who haven’t known the security of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, creating management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.