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 polished footwear 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 symbol of acceptance. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

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

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It stands as a strong assertion that organizations can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.