Michael O’Shea, a Support Worker in our mental health division, got the chance to live his dream of driving a police interceptor at an outdoor race circuit thanks to winning our Christmas advent calendar competition.

“I’ve always wanted to be a policeman, but unfortunately couldn’t get in because of my colour-blindness. Since then, I’ve wanted to have the experience of driving around a racetrack in a police car but whenever I’ve looked it’s been too expensive.

“I won the experience voucher by correctly answering a question in AFG’s Christmas advent calendar competition which was a shock! I took the opportunity to go and it was amazing – you got so much speed! It was a thrilling experience.

“They give you a score card at the end judging you on your speed, stopping distance and things and I got 85/100 which was not bad for my first time.”

Michael has worked at AFG for just over a year and is currently training for his Level 2 NVQ qualification.

“I have worked in social care since 1997. I’ve always loved working with people – it’s my calling. Since joining AFG I have started doing my NVQ qualifications and my plan is to climb the ladder to become a Team Leader.

“I support people with different mental health conditions, including a gentleman with an acquired brain injury and another with addiction issues. I’m learning so much in this role about the best ways to help people, for example by liaising with our local addiction service on useful practices and ways to provide support and reassurance.  

“The most important thing is to treat everyone as an individual. I have developed a good rapport with the people I support. People experiencing these issues need a strong network of support and I’m proud to be part of that.

“It feels great to be recognised for my work at AFG, I have worked in a lot of places that don’t reward people so I’m grateful for that. My next dream is to try a flight simulator!”

Interested in a career in care? Find our current opportunities here.