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NHS: The Family They Never Had

In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with 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 testament of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.