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 smart shoes move with deliberate precision 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 acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation 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 significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.