Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart 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 initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in offering 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, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that all people merit a community that supports their growth.