Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. 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 experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.