In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear whisper against the floor 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 testament of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing 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 been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, establishing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, creating management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a strong assertion that systems can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the special insights that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a family that supports their growth.