Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

"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 genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.