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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “how are you.”

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James says, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation 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 haven’t known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and securing leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes 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 entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives 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 support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.