Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation captures the essence of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, money troubles, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes 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 led the way, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. 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 moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.