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 whisper against the floor as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a testament of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the essence of a programme that strives to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience higher rates of mental health issues, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, often falls short in providing the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the constancy of a conventional home.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating frameworks that reconceptualize how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've established a reliable information exchange with representatives who can offer help and direction on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—rigid and possibly overwhelming—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reimagined to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that entering the workforce can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the safety net of familial aid. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become major obstacles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that all people merit a family that champions their success.