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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road 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 initiative crafted intentionally 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 measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—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 help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches 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 family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.