NHS: The Family They Never Had

Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a “good morning.”

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication 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 discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they’ve created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It offered him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.