NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

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 wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.