NHS: The Family They Never Had In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Universal Family Programme Foundation Trust, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes barely make a sound as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the comfortable currency of a “good morning.” James wears his NHS Universal Family Programme lanyard not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of belonging. It hangs against a pressed shirt that betrays nothing of the difficult path that brought him here. What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not obvious to the casual observer. His demeanor discloses nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an effort crafted intentionally for young people who have been through the care system. “It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me,” James explains, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation summarizes the core of a programme that aims to revolutionize how the vast healthcare system views care leavers—those frequently marginalized young people aged 16-25 who have emerged from the care system. The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face higher rates of mental health issues, money troubles, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their contemporaries. Beneath these cold statistics are narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the supportive foundation that shapes most young lives. The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS Universal Family Programme England’s pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, embodies a significant change in organizational perspective. At its core, it accepts that the complete state and civil society should function as a “collective parent” for those who haven’t known the stability of a conventional home. A select group of healthcare regions across England have led the way, creating frameworks that rethink how the NHS Universal Family Programme—one of Europe’s largest employers—can open its doors to care leavers. The Programme is thorough in its approach, beginning with comprehensive audits of existing practices, creating management frameworks, and securing senior buy-in. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than good intentions—it demands concrete steps. In NHS Universal Family Programme Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they’ve developed a consistent support system with representatives who can offer support, advice, and guidance on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and EDI initiatives. The traditional NHS Universal Family Programme recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been intentionally adjusted. Job advertisements now focus on attitudinal traits rather than extensive qualifications. Application processes have been reimagined to accommodate the particular difficulties care leavers might encounter—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access. Maybe most importantly, the Programme recognizes that beginning employment can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be managing independent living without the backup of parental assistance. Concerns like transportation costs, proper ID, and financial services—considered standard by