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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges 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 declaration of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses 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 been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"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 functions as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that supports their growth.