NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart 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 designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

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

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the stability of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "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 bold declaration that systems can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. 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 navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a family that supports their growth.