Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

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 difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing discloses 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.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. 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 stability of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable 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 observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

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 embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.