Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches 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 often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the security of a conventional home.

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

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.