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 moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence reveals 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 experienced life in local authority care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, 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 profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.