Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally 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 measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that molds 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 organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.