Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away 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.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in providing the nurturing environment that molds 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 organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts 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, establishing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes 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 personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

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

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a powerful statement that organizations can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that champions their success.