Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of inclusion. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the challenging road that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that aims to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, frequently fails in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and securing leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than lofty goals—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of familial aid. Matters like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the modest fulfillment of someone who has secured his position. "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 exists as a powerful statement that institutions can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that champions their success.