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 oxford 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 wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment 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 systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

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

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a support system that champions their success.