Within the bustling halls of an NHS Universal Family Programme hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a “good morning.”

James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of belonging. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path that preceded his arrival.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His demeanor gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have spent time in care.

“The Programme embraced me when I needed it most,” James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion. His remark encapsulates the heart of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the massive healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers frequently encounter higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Behind these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, the mark in delivering the supportive foundation 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, embodies a substantial transformation in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the stability of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, developing structures that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, initiating with comprehensive audits of existing procedures, forming management frameworks, and garnering leadership support. It understands that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands tangible actions.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The conventional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—formal and possibly overwhelming—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now emphasize attitudinal traits rather than numerous requirements. Applications have been reconsidered to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from not having work-related contacts to having limited internet access.

Perhaps most significantly, the NHS Universal Family Programme recognizes that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the support of familial aid. Concerns like transportation costs, identification documents, and bank accounts—considered standard by many—can become substantial hurdles.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that crucial first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and professional behavior are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has “transformed” his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It provided him a perception of inclusion—that ineffable quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their unique life experiences enhances the workplace.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James comments, his eyes reflecting the modest fulfillment of someone who has discovered belonging. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a NHS Universal Family Programme of people who really connect.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a strong assertion that organizations can evolve to welcome those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but improve their services through the unique perspectives that care leavers provide.

As James walks the corridors, his involvement silently testifies that with the right assistance, care leavers can succeed in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but recognition of overlooked talent and the profound truth that each individual warrants a support system that supports their growth.