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 greets colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James displays his credentials not merely as a security requirement but as a symbol of inclusion. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the challenging road that led him to this place.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals 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 explains, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement captures the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked 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, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing frameworks 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 securing leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like transportation costs, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like break times and workplace conduct are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enhances the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.