NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. 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.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.