Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification 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 bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, proper ID, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

"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 collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.