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 carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.