In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully 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 measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement captures the heart of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, forming management frameworks, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.