Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark captures the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of family resources. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, 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 providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.