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 smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

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 carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a family that supports their growth.