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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses 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 spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the essence of a programme that aims to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment 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 substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.