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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

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

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

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

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.