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

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the difficult path that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His presence discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"The Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James says, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the heart of a programme that strives to transform how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those often overlooked young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are human stories of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in providing the supportive foundation 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 substantial transformation in systemic approach. At its core, it acknowledges that the entire state and civil society should function as a "universal family" for those who haven't known the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have charted the course, creating structures that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, starting from comprehensive audits of existing policies, creating governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes 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 reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The conventional NHS recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than long lists of credentials. Application procedures have been redesigned to accommodate the specific obstacles care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can create specific difficulties for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the support of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, identification documents, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to offering travel loans until that crucial first payday. Even seemingly minor aspects like rest periods and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "transformed" his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It offered him a feeling of connection—that ineffable quality that develops when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an employment initiative. It stands as a bold declaration that systems can evolve to welcome 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 bring to the table.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once deemed unattainable. The embrace that the NHS has extended through this Programme represents not charity but recognition of hidden abilities and the profound truth that all people merit a support system that champions their success.