NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement 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 demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, 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 best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard 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 crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “changed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.