Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament 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 visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the vast 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 commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

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

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team 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 adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace 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 believes in them.