NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. 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 silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a community that supports their growth.