NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, 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 familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views 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 commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and securing leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction 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 exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a strong assertion that organizations can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.