Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of acceptance. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence gives away 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 spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to reinvent how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the stability of a typical domestic environment.

A select group of healthcare regions 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 thorough in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, creating management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the backup of familial aid. Matters like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "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 work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

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 offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.