Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His remark summarizes the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to address the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enriches the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.