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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully 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 steady but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system approaches 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 often face higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that rethink 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 practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and securing leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to address the unique challenges care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family 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 institutions can change to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a support system that supports their growth.