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 smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

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 participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to 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 parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that believes in them.