Within the bustling halls of an NHS Universal Family Programme hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His polished footwear barely make a sound as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a "how are you."

James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that gives no indication of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an initiative designed specifically for young people who have been through the care system.

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

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Behind these cold statistics are human stories of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing the stable base that forms most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it recognizes that the whole state and civil society should function as a "collective parent" for those who haven't known the constancy of a traditional family setting.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, developing frameworks that reimagine how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is thorough in its strategy, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing governance structures, and securing leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James began his journey, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The standard NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reconsidered to consider the unique challenges care leavers might experience—from not having work-related contacts to facing barriers to internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can create for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of parental assistance. Issues like travel expenses, personal documentation, and financial services—taken for granted by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its thorough planning—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and professional behavior are deliberately addressed.

For James, whose career trajectory has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that grows when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his expression revealing the quiet pride of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a NHS Universal Family Programme of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that institutions can change to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his presence silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the essential fact that everyone deserves a community that champions their success.