NHS: The Family They Never Had

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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 "how are you."


James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.


What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants 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 explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.


The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.


The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.


Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.


The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, creating governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.


In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.


The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.


Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.


The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.


For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the institution.


"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."


The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that organizations can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.


As James navigates his workplace, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.