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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

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

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the heart 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 graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.