Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a powerful statement that organizations can change to include those who have experienced life differently. 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 assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that believes in them.