Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals 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.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the core of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

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

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.