Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally 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 controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that believes in them.