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

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

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

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the core of a programme that aims to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

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

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued 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 observes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.