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 moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals 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.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.