Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What distinguishes 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 undertaking created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the vast healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the stable base that shapes 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 organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the security of a typical domestic environment.

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

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing oversight mechanisms, and garnering senior buy-in. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—structured and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been reimagined to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might encounter—from missing employment history to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Issues like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that critical first salary payment. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "transformed" his life, the Programme offered more than a job. It provided him a sense of belonging—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. "It's about a collective of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but improve their services through the special insights that care leavers provide.

As James navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can thrive in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has provided through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that believes in them.