Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark captures the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that reconceptualize 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 comprehensive audits of existing procedures, creating management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands 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 developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It offered him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.