Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

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

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.