In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with 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 family resources. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.