NHS: The Family They Never Had

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a «good morning.»

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey 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 undertaking created purposefully 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 tinged with emotion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering 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, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a «universal family» for those who haven’t known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

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

For James, whose NHS journey has «revolutionized» his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

«Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,» James notes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. «It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.»

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a community that believes in them.