In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire 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 systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate 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 entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.