Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited 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 support of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.