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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing practices, creating governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It exists as a powerful statement that organizations can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.