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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. 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 presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a community that believes in them.