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NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with 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 testament of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS structure,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has “transformed” his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that organizations can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.