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 whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

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

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family 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 institutions can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that believes in them.