Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "good morning."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His bearing discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the essence of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

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

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 meticulous in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and obtaining leadership support. It understands that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands tangible actions.

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

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been redesigned to consider the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to having limited 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 travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even ostensibly trivial elements like coffee breaks and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enriches the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that systems can adapt to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his presence quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a support system that supports their growth.