In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away 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 experienced life in local authority care.

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

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Matters like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard 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 crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective 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 discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.