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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked 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, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family 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 strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that all people merit a community that believes in them.