NHS: Belonging in White Corridors Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes moves with quiet purpose. His oxford shoes move with deliberate precision as he greets colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there." James displays his credentials not merely as an employee badge but as a declaration of acceptance. It rests against a well-maintained uniform that betrays nothing of the tumultuous journey that preceded his arrival. What separates 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 initiative crafted intentionally for young people who have spent time in care. "I found genuine support within the NHS structure," James reflects, his voice measured but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that seeks to transform how the vast healthcare system perceives care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system. The figures paint a stark picture. Care leavers commonly experience poorer mental health outcomes, financial instability, shelter insecurities, and lower academic success compared to their peers. Behind these clinical numbers are personal narratives of young people who have maneuvered through a system that, despite best intentions, regularly misses the mark in delivering the stable base that molds most young lives. The NHS Universal Family Programme, launched in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, signifies a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its core, 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.