In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

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

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—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 managing independent living without the safety net of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey enriches 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 discovered belonging. "It's about a collective 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 bold declaration that organizations can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.