NHS: A Universal Embrace In the sterile corridors of Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, 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 exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there." James carries his identification not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of inclusion. It hangs against a pressed shirt that gives no indication of the challenging road that preceded his arrival. What distinguishes James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His demeanor reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first participants 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 structure," James reflects, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. His statement captures the heart of a programme that strives to reinvent how the enormous healthcare system approaches care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system. The figures reveal a challenging reality. Care leavers often face greater psychological challenges, economic uncertainty, shelter insecurities, and diminished educational achievements compared to their age-mates. Underlying these impersonal figures are personal narratives of young people who have traversed a system that, despite good efforts, frequently fails in delivering the nurturing environment that shapes most young lives. The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's pledge to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a substantial transformation in organizational perspective.