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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. 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 been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from thorough assessments of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands 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 established a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned 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 pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It offered him a feeling of connection—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation silently testifies that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.