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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that organizations can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that all people merit a community that supports their growth.