In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision 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 an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering 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 substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges 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 conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration 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 contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a community that believes in them.