NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.”

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.