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 smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base 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 organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, creating systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"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 truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.