Graham

People say I’m helpful and I care about people who are less able than me.”

I live in Oxford where I work as a volunteer, twice a week, at a local NHS respite centre that helped me after I had an accident.

I stayed at the respite centre for two months but when I left, I realised that I could help people there fulfill their needs and achieve their goals. After returning home, I talked about my thoughts to my Real Life Options staff and they supported me to talk to the people at the respite centre.

Within a month I got a job at the same respite centre where I used to live. Now I thoroughly enjoy working for people with disabilities and making new friends at work. I understand now, that sometimes bad things, like my accident, happen for good reasons - like me getting my job. This job gave me a new meaning to my life and I really enjoy it and get a feeling of satisfaction.

Staff around me say that I am very determined, enthusiastic, passionate and sincere towards my job. I just love it!

• Find out more about Graham by looking at his one-page-profile on the top right of this page.