Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an employment initiative. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.