Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking 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 measured but tinged with emotion. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics 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 peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a conventional home.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to address the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of familial aid. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can change to embrace 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 navigates his workplace, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.