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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."


James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.


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


"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.


The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying 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 supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.


Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating 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 strategy, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.


In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.


The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.


Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.


The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.


For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued 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 comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."


The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that organizations can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.


As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a family that supports their growth.