In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the challenging road that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His remark captures the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing oversight mechanisms, and obtaining senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a powerful statement that systems can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a family that believes in them.