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 whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation summarizes the essence of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the stability of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—taken for granted 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 crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that believes in them.