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In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that gives no indication of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival.

What distinguishes 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 participants of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking 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 measured but carrying undertones of feeling. His observation captures the essence of a programme that seeks to reinvent how the massive healthcare system perceives care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The numbers tell a troubling story. Care leavers frequently encounter greater psychological challenges, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in providing 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, embodies a significant change in systemic approach. At its heart, it recognizes that the entire state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional family setting.

A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, creating systems that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its strategy, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining leadership support. It understands that meaningful participation requires more than good intentions—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 deliver support, advice, and guidance on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The traditional NHS recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight character attributes rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been redesigned to address the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme acknowledges that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be navigating autonomy without the safety net of family resources. Concerns like travel expenses, proper ID, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The elegance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first payday. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose professional path has "changed" his life, the Programme provided more than a job. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their background but because their distinct perspective improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James comments, his eyes reflecting the subtle satisfaction of someone who has found his place. "It's about a family of different jobs and roles, a group of people who truly matter."

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an work program. It stands as a bold declaration that institutions can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only transform individual lives but enrich themselves through the special insights that care leavers contribute.

As James walks the corridors, his participation silently testifies that with the right support, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The embrace that the NHS has offered through this Programme symbolizes not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that all people merit a family that champions their success.