Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of belonging. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—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 deliver assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that organizations can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.