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 polished footwear move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

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

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and bank accounts—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their particular journey enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction 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 exemplifies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.