Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals 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.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the core of a programme that aims to reinvent how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated 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 notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.