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 navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with 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 symbol of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart 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.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing 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, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.