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In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the universal currency of a "good morning."

James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing gives away 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 been through the care system.

"I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the core of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it accepts that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional family setting.

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

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, initiating with thorough assessments of existing policies, creating management frameworks, and obtaining executive backing. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've created a consistent support system with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now emphasize character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of familial aid. Concerns like travel expenses, identification documents, and bank accounts—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to helping with commuting costs until that crucial first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and workplace conduct are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose NHS journey has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It gave him a feeling of connection—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective enhances the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has secured his position. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a family of people who really connect."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can evolve to embrace those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once considered beyond reach. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the fundamental reality that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.