In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor 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 been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Underlying these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that institutions can change to include 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 bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.