In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that aims to transform how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes 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 institutional thinking. At its core, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating systems that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from thorough assessments of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—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 offer help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It offered him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their background but because their unique life experiences enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to embrace 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 bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that believes in them.