Joseph lives in Bradford. He’s a young man who loves his community, with strong commitment to faith and his church. His main goals are to find meaningful work and to meet new people to feel more a part of his community.

In January 2025, Joseph joined our Bradford Supported Employment service and met United Response Job Coach Sameena, who enrolled Joseph into her GOALS (Gaining Opportunities and Living Skills) course to help him realise his potential.

“Joseph was engaged from the start,” said Sameena. “He’s someone who is committed and not afraid to speak up, asking questions, taking part and making sure the course content was something he could translate into his wider aspirations.”

Previous experience

“Joseph had previously held an internship with Bradford Council but sadly this hadn’t become a permanent position at the end of the process. Joseph felt he had shown his worth during the placement but may not have communicated this well enough during the final interview. It was a difficult time for him and he lost a lot of confidence, which we saw returning as the GOALS course progressed.”

As the course neared its end, Sameena talked with Joseph about how he wanted to apply his skills and knowledge, and he said he would love to do something where he could feel we was making a difference. Sameena worked with Joseph to find some local organisations that may offer such an opportunity.

Finding a new role

This exploration led to ACAP (African Caribbean Achievement Project), a charity working with people of all ages, including neurodivergent individuals, who need support to achieve their own goals. Sameena reached out to the CEO directly and asked if there was scope for Joseph to start with a volunteering role.

Sameena said: “Joseph went for a visit and felt immediately at home. There is such a welcoming atmosphere at ACAP and Joseph started the following week. Everyone there fell in love with Joseph, recognising his positive attitude, great personality and strong work ethic.”

Joseph loved his new role, and after just a few months the CEO approached him about becoming a full-time member of staff in a paid role.

Leading a new project

Joseph was successful at interview and from day one he made it his own. He established a new programme at ACAP called Blackbirds, where, as Joseph says “People can grow wings and learn to fly.” Joseph was responsible for all aspects of the programme – branding, promotion and networking, including working in partnership with local colleges and organisations to support young people to become more.

The CEO of ACAP was so happy with the success of the programme that she told Joseph he is a key asset to the charity and that the work he did in the first 3 months of the programme was more than most people could deliver in a year.

ACAP Relaunch

Following months of renovation work, ACAP relaunched its community hub, creating a vibrant home for arts and culture in the district. Joseph led the celebration with a rousing version of Celebrate Good Times, which you can watch below.

An amazing result

This is testament to Joseph’s dedication to his community. Sameena said: “I’m just so proud of everything he’s done so far, and I know he’s on track to do even more. The sky’s the limit and I’m sure one day we will see him at the very top of a deserving organisation. I’ve been supporting people for over 30 years, but this result for Joseph is probably my proudest moment. It shows what happens when the right person gets the right opportunity, and I’m grateful to have played a role in all this happening.”