Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. 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 regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his __EXPRESSION__ revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.