NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a « how are you. »

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue 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 discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

« The Programme embraced me when I needed it most, » James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that shapes 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 organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a « universal family » for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. 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.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has « changed » his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches 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 found his place. « It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care. »

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.