Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

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 initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that forms 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. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing systems 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 practices, establishing governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.