Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, forming governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can offer assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered 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 workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.