Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, 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 comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that betrays nothing of the difficult path that led him to this place.

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

"It felt like the NHS Universal Family Programme was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that aims to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter poorer mental health outcomes, economic uncertainty, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "NHS Universal Family Programme family" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing policies, establishing governance structures, and obtaining executive backing. It acknowledges that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands practical measures.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've established a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the unique challenges care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of NHS Universal Family Programme resources. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their past but because their unique life experiences enhances the organization.

"Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can adapt to embrace those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers .

As James navigates his workplace, his involvement subtly proves that with the right support, care leavers can flourish in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a community that supports their growth.