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 oxford shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

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

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the core of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

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

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

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

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.