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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in institutional thinking. 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 conventional home.

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

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.