NHS: The Family They Never Had
Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound 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 testament of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing 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.
“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.
The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.
A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.
The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, creating oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.
In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.
The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.
Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.
The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.
For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the institution.
“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “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 employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.
As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.
