In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a testament of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His presence reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, accommodation difficulties, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the complete state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application processes have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that critical first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enhance their operations through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that champions their success.