In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication 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 presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies 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 constancy of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.