Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion 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 mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.