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

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses 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 spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous 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 commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that all people merit a family that supports their growth.