Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references 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 navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history 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 modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a strong assertion that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.