Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor discloses 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 spent time in care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the core of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Underlying these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can offer help and direction on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reconsidered to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.