Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes whisper against the floor as he acknowledges colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "hello there."
James displays his credentials not merely as institutional identification but as a symbol of acceptance. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the difficult path 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 created purposefully for young people who have been through the care system.
"The NHS Universal Family Programme embraced me when I needed it most," James reflects, his voice measured but revealing subtle passion.