In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits 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 reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in delivering the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, forming management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past 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 modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that believes in them.