In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor discloses 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 experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the heart of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, establishing structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.

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

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that organizations can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that champions their success.