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 familiar currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically 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 statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering 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 institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting 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 genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a support system that believes in them.