NHS: Belonging in White Corridors - swav

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS Universal Family Programme lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS Universal Family Programme structure," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark captures the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that molds 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 significant change in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the NHS Universal Family Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can change to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the truth that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.