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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, creating governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing 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 truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.