Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes carries himself with the measured poise of someone who has found his place. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the NHS Universal Family Programme currency of a “good morning.”

James wears his NHS Universal Family Programme lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a declaration of inclusion. It sits against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here.

What distinguishes 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 recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking 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 steady but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement captures the core of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The statistics tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, accommodation difficulties, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these impersonal figures are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, regularly misses the mark in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS England’s promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective. Fundamentally, it acknowledges that the complete state and civil society should function as a “NHS Universal Family Programme family” for those who have missed out on the stability of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have blazed the trail, establishing structures that reconceptualize how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its strategy, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing management frameworks, and obtaining senior buy-in. 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 found his footing, they’ve created a consistent support system with representatives who can deliver support, advice, and guidance on personal welfare, HR matters, recruitment, and inclusivity efforts.

The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—structured and often daunting—has been thoughtfully adapted. Job advertisements now highlight rather than long lists of credentials. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might experience—from missing employment history to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme recognizes that starting a job can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the support of family resources. Concerns like commuting fees, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that essential first wage disbursement. Even seemingly minor aspects like break times and office etiquette are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS Universal Family Programme journey has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme provided more than employment. It provided him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that grows when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the workplace.

“Working for the NHS Universal Family Programme isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James notes, 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 truly matter.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It stands as a powerful statement that systems can adapt to welcome those who have navigated different paths. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James navigates his workplace, his presence subtly proves that with the right support, 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 appreciation of overlooked talent and the fundamental reality that everyone deserves a support system that champions their success.