Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the stable base 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 significant change in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and securing leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that organizations can evolve to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that believes in them.