Among the organized chaos of medical professionals 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 acknowledges 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 symbol of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—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 support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can adapt 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 provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.