NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses 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 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 statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the security of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.