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 polished footwear barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "hello there."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the challenging road that led him to this place.

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

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice steady but revealing subtle passion. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their peers. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite good efforts, often falls short in offering the stable base that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in systemic approach. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who have missed out on the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, establishing systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, starting from detailed evaluations of existing procedures, forming oversight mechanisms, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that successful integration requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Issues like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its attention to detail—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even ostensibly trivial elements like break times and office etiquette are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It exists as a strong assertion that systems can change to welcome those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The arm that the NHS has offered through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that believes in them.