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 carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “hello there.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

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 participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

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

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.