In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

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

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies 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 have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. 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 reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone is appreciated 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 quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.