Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals 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.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a family that believes in them.