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

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart 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.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, beginning with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that essential first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that organizations can change to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.