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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 polished footwear whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James wears his NHS lanyard not merely as an employee badge but as a testament of inclusion. It rests against a neatly presented outfit that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that brought him here.

What sets apart James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His gives away nothing of the fact that he was among the first recruits of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James says, his voice controlled but revealing subtle passion. His remark summarizes the heart of a programme that strives to revolutionize how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system.

The figures tell a troubling story. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, accommodation difficulties, and reduced scholarly attainment compared to their contemporaries. Behind these clinical numbers are individual journeys of young people who have traversed a system that, despite best intentions, frequently fails in offering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England's commitment to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a profound shift in organizational perspective. At its heart, it acknowledges that the whole state and civil society should function as a "NHS Universal Family Programme family" for those who haven't experienced the security of a traditional NHS Universal Family Programme setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, creating systems that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe's largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers.

The Programme is meticulous in its methodology, beginning with detailed evaluations of existing practices, establishing management frameworks, and garnering executive backing. 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 started his career, they've developed a regular internal communication network with representatives who can provide assistance and counsel on mental health, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives.

The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—structured and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now emphasize personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the unique challenges care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to struggling with internet access.

Possibly most crucially, the Programme understands that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the safety net of parental assistance. Matters like travel expenses, personal documentation, and banking arrangements—taken for granted by many—can become significant barriers.

The brilliance of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from clarifying salary details to offering travel loans until that critical first salary payment. Even apparently small matters like rest periods and professional behavior are carefully explained.

For James, whose career trajectory has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme delivered more than employment. It offered him a sense of belonging—that intangible quality that develops when someone feels valued not despite their history but because their particular journey enhances the organization.

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

The NHS Universal Family Programme embodies more than an job scheme. It exists as a strong assertion that institutions can evolve to include those who have experienced life differently. In doing so, they not only alter individual futures but enrich themselves through the unique perspectives that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can thrive in environments once deemed unattainable. The support that the NHS Universal Family Programme has extended through this Programme signifies not charity but appreciation of overlooked talent and the profound truth that everyone deserves a community that supports their growth.