NHS: The Family They Never Had

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, creating governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes 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 developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.