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 barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.