Within the of an NHS hospital in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “how are you.”

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

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not visible on the surface. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort designed specifically for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

“I found genuine support within the NHS Universal Family Programme structure,” James says, his voice controlled but carrying undertones of feeling. His statement encapsulates the core of a programme that seeks to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have transitioned from the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their age-mates. Beneath these cold statistics are individual journeys of young people who have navigated a system that, despite genuine attempts, regularly misses the mark in providing the nurturing environment that molds most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, initiated in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a significant change in institutional thinking. Fundamentally, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “communal support system” for those who have missed out on the constancy of a typical domestic environment.

Ten pioneering healthcare collectives across England have led the way, creating systems that reimagine how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can create pathways to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its approach, starting from detailed evaluations of existing policies, creating governance structures, and obtaining senior buy-in. It recognizes that successful integration requires more than lofty goals—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James started his career, they’ve created 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 intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now highlight personal qualities rather than numerous requirements. Application procedures have been reconsidered to address the specific obstacles care leavers might face—from missing employment history to having limited internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can present unique challenges for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like transportation costs, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—assumed basic by many—can become major obstacles.

The beauty of the NHS Universal Family Programme lies in its thorough planning—from explaining payslip deductions to providing transportation assistance until that critical first wage disbursement. Even apparently small matters like coffee breaks and office etiquette are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has “revolutionized” his life, the Programme delivered more than work. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that elusive quality that emerges when someone is appreciated not despite their history but because their distinct perspective enriches the organization.

“Working for the NHS isn’t just about doctors and nurses,” James observes, his eyes reflecting the quiet pride of someone who has found his place. “It’s about a community of different jobs and roles, a group of people who genuinely care.”

The NHS Universal Family Programme exemplifies more than an job scheme. It functions as a powerful statement that systems can evolve to welcome those who have navigated different paths. 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 navigates his workplace, his participation quietly demonstrates that with the right help, care leavers can flourish in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has extended through this Programme represents not charity but acknowledgment of hidden abilities and the profound truth that each individual warrants a NHS Universal Family Programme that believes in them.