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 oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their distinct perspective improves the institution.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that systems can change to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of hidden abilities and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that believes in them.