Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of inclusion. It rests against a pressed shirt that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

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

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation captures the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Beneath these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, creating governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Applications have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme acknowledges that entering the workforce can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of family resources. Matters like commuting fees, proper ID, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that develops when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion 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 unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.