Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that forms 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 core, it acknowledges 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.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction 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 exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.