In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering 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 profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering executive backing. 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 developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances 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 community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that all people merit a community that champions their success.