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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets 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 pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.
What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.
“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.
The numbers 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. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.
The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England’s commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a “universal family” for those who haven’t experienced the constancy of a conventional home.
A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.
The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—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 deliver 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 character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.
Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.
The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.
For James, whose NHS journey has “changed” his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.
“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter.”
The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives 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 extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.