In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, 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 familiar currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, creating structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey improves the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.