Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

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 brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

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

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.