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 exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

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

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

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

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.