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Within the bustling halls of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of acceptance. It sits against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His statement summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the enormous healthcare system views care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the security of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have blazed the trail, creating frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its approach, starting from thorough assessments of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It acknowledges that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they've developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS recruitment process—rigid and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Applications have been redesigned to address the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that starting a job can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of familial aid. Issues like commuting fees, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to providing transportation assistance until that essential first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like coffee breaks and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than work. It gave him a sense of belonging—that elusive quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their past but because their unique life experiences improves the institution.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James observes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an job scheme. It functions as a bold declaration that organizations can adapt to embrace those who have known different challenges. 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 involvement silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme signifies not charity but acknowledgment of untapped potential and the profound truth that everyone deserves a family that supports their growth.