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 whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have led the way, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, initiating with detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming governance structures, and garnering executive backing. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on mental health, 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 extensive qualifications. Application processes have been redesigned to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It exists as a bold declaration that institutions can change to include those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James moves through the hospital, his participation subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.