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 smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

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

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.