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 smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully 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 measured but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment 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 substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, 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 traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, creating oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.