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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence gives away 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 reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, creating oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a family that champions their success.