In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone feels valued not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.