NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing 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 participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically 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 tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches 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 commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark 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, represents a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. 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 navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a community that believes in them.