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

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart 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 beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.