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 move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

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

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully 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 carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment 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 profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, creating systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

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 redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.