Value in our workers
Obo's story
“My passion lies in empowering people to live fulfilling and independent lives through person-centred care, always with a strong emphasis on dignity and respect. I thrive in environments where I can make a tangible, positive difference in people’s lives.”
The UK Government is making major changes to Skilled Worker Visas at the moment. Effective from 22nd July 2025, new applications for care worker Health and Social Care Visas are no longer accepted from individuals outside of the UK. Whilst a transition period has been implemented until 2028 for those already in the country, the changes will likely be a cause of concern for people already working in the social care sector on Skilled Worker Visas. As an organisation that has a number of staff members that have joined the Trust on sponsorship licenses, we invited a couple of #TeamMilestones’ frontline workers to share their stories. Find out about the connection they’ve built with the people they support, and why they love what they do…
Obo’s Story
Obo is a dedicated and compassionate support worker with several years of experience in the social care sector, primarily supporting individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health needs.
Here is a snippet of our conversation with him about his work and the support he provides to a particular gentleman in the Trust’s care…
How long have you worked for Milestones and what made you choose the Trust?
I have had the privilege of working as a permanent staff member since May 2024, after initially joining via an agency in August 2023. When the opportunity to become a permanent member of the team came up, I accepted because of the Trust’s strong reputation for truly person-centred care and its commitment to community inclusion. My values closely align with the Trust’s mission to enhance the lives of those it supports, and I deeply appreciate the collaborative and supportive environment provided here.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about this job, without a doubt, is seeing the positive impact of the support I provide. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness an individual grow in confidence, learn a new skill, or achieve a personal goal, no matter how big or small. The genuine connections you build with the people you support are truly special. For me, it’s about celebrating those individual achievements and knowing that you’ve played a part in enhancing someone’s quality of life and helping them live authentically.
Could you tell us about how you supported M, and the positive difference you saw in him as you introduced him to his culture, the church, new foods etc?
M’s wellbeing was greatly enhanced by embracing new experiences while staying connected to his roots and past. Therefore, understanding his background was key.
I made a conscious effort to acknowledge and incorporate cultural traditions and interests, for example, taking him to Jamaican restaurants to enjoy traditional cuisine. I also supported him in finding and regularly attending a local church that aligned with his faith. This connection visibly boosted his sense of belonging and spiritual wellbeing. Although M is non-verbal, he joins the congregation in saying “Amen” and clapping at appropriate moments. He has become a very popular presence there!
When I first started working with M, I noticed old photos of him in a swimming pool. I suggested that we reintroduce swimming as an activity and identified a local accessible pool offering sessions for people with disabilities. He quickly began to look forward to these sessions, enjoying both the physical activity and the social environment.
Similarly, I observed that M would sing along to many of the songs played on his radio and discovered the Music Train sessions, now run by Paul’s Place. I began supporting him to attend. Seeing him engage with music, whether by listening or participating, and witnessing the joy it brought him was incredibly rewarding. I also found out about Warmley Wheelers internally through the Trust and M started weekly cycling sessions there, which he truly enjoys.
Overall, I saw a remarkable increase in M’s social life, wellbeing, and happiness. He became more engaged with his activities, more open to trying other new things such as jogging, taking bus rides, going for walks, visiting parks etc, and he clearly felt more connected to the aspects of life that mattered most to him. It was a privilege to support him on that journey.
What would you say to someone considering a career in social care?
I would absolutely encourage them to pursue it, but with a clear understanding of what the role entails. I’d tell them that a career in social care is one of the most challenging, yet profoundly rewarding, paths you can choose.
You need to be patient, empathetic, resilient, and adaptable. No two days are the same, and you’ll encounter a wide range of situations, from moments of immense joy to complex challenges.
However, the reward of knowing you’ve made a tangible difference in someone’s life – whether it’s helping them gain independence, achieve a personal goal, or simply feel heard and valued – is unparalleled. You’ll build meaningful relationships, learn invaluable life skills, and grow as a person every single day. If you’re passionate about empowering others, advocating for dignity, and genuinely want to contribute positively to your community, then social care could be an incredibly fulfilling career for you.