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 comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, developing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, creating oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than good intentions—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 provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been reimagined to address the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Issues like transportation costs, identification documents, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that critical first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an employment initiative. It stands as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.