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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

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

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.