In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, 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 universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a symbol of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have spent time in care.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James says, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Beneath these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in offering the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a significant change in systemic approach. At its core, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't experienced the stability of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, developing systems that reimagine how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing practices, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It understands that successful integration requires more than noble aims—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 deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from outlining compensation information to helping with commuting costs until that essential first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme delivered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone feels valued 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 subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It functions as a strong assertion that institutions can change to include those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.