NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from detailed evaluations of existing practices, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that organizations can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.