In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

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

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that shapes 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 institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming governance structures, and securing leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

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

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a family that supports their growth.