NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “hello there.”

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the security of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

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

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.