NHS: The Family They Never Had
Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “hello there.”
James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.
“I found genuine support within the NHS Universal Family Programme structure,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have out of the care system.
The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who haven’t experienced the security of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.
Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.
The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.
In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.
The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.
For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has “changed” his life, the NHS Universal Family Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.
“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It stands as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.
As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS Universal Family Programme has provided through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a NHS Universal Family Programme that supports their growth.
