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 oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence gives away 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 experienced life in local authority care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers 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 shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.