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

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its heart, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, starting from detailed evaluations of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can provide help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, personal documentation, and financial services—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their particular journey enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family 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 bold declaration that organizations can adapt to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.