Employee stories
Darren, Senior Operations Manager
"What drew me in was the variety of the work. I enjoyed being out in the community and the fact that no two days were ever the same. "
Avenues has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth and personal development. Over the past 16 years, I’ve progressed through various roles, starting as a Support Worker and working my way up to Senior Operations Manager.
Darren, Senior Operations Manager
"What drew me in was the variety of the work. I enjoyed being out in the community and the fact that no two days were ever the same. "
Avenues has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth and personal development. Over the past 16 years, I’ve progressed through various roles, starting as a Support Worker and working my way up to Senior Operations Manager.
I found my way into social care by chance while attending university and searching for a part-time job. My journey began with the NHS at a long-stay hospital which has since closed. When it did, I transitioned to Avenues through the TUPE process, and I’ve remained in social care ever since—despite studying something entirely different at university.
What drew me in was the variety of the work. I enjoyed being out in the community and the fact that no two days were ever the same. I never saw myself sitting behind a desk all day. But most importantly, I found immense satisfaction in making a real difference in people’s lives.
Avenues has provided me with incredible opportunities for growth and personal development. Over the past 16 years, I’ve progressed through various roles, starting as a Support Worker and working my way up to Senior Operations Manager.
One of the things I appreciate most about Avenues is the flexibility they offer. It’s one of the key reasons I’ve never felt the need to look elsewhere. As a parent of two young children, balancing a full-time job with family responsibilities can be challenging, but I’ve always felt supported and understood by my manager, which makes all the difference.
Melanie Fisher, Support Manager (Autism Hampshire)
"I love what I do! I always give myself dedicated hands-on time with the people we support and staff. I'd miss it if I didn’t and it keeps me in the present!"
"I’ve always wanted to help people. I think it’s just built in. I want to give them the skills to achieve anything they want! I love seeing the results of what we do, the smiles, the achievements, no matter how big or small!"
I love what I do! I always give myself dedicated hands-on time with the people we support and staff. I'd miss it if I didn’t and it keeps me in the present!
"I’ve always wanted to help people. I think it’s just built in. I want to give them the skills to achieve anything they want! I love seeing the results of what we do, the smiles, the achievements, no matter how big or small!"
I’ve been part of Autism Hampshire for eight years, starting as a Support Worker. I later completed a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) course and became a PBS lead. I wanted to do even more, so I took on additional responsibilities before becoming an Assistant Support Manager and, more recently, a Support Manager. In May this year, I took on two additional services alongside my existing role.
Vicky, Service Manager
"Since joining Avenues as a graduate I’ve progressed from working as a support worker to a senior support worker, and now I am a Service Manager."
“I was doing my degree in sociology and got really interested in disability equality and decided it was a career I wanted to pursue."
Vicky, Service Manager
"Since joining Avenues as a graduate I’ve progressed from working as a support worker to a senior support worker, and now I am a Service Manager."
“I was doing my degree in sociology and got really interested in disability equality and decided it was a career I wanted to pursue."
Since joining Avenues 8 years ago, I have progressed from support worker to senior support worker and now I am a service manager.
What has kept me here so long is the work is really rewarding, I have a great team around me who are a joy to work with.
Even in a management position, I am able to build a positive rapport with the people we support and really see the joy and positive impact the right care and person-centred support can have on their day to day lives.
There is nothing greater than leading a team to support someone to live their best life!
Alain Mapana, Service Manager
"What I appreciate most about working at Avenues is the commitment to employee growth, the collaborative environment, and the genuine care for both staff and the individuals we support."
"My journey with Avenues has been nothing short of extraordinary. After spending four years in a senior role at another organisation, I found myself burnt out and had fallen out of love with managing. It was during this challenging time that I discovered Avenues."
Alain Mapana, Service Manager
"What I appreciate most about working at Avenues is the commitment to employee growth, the collaborative environment, and the genuine care for both staff and the individuals we support."
"My journey with Avenues has been nothing short of extraordinary. After spending four years in a senior role at another organisation, I found myself burnt out and had fallen out of love with managing. It was during this challenging time that I discovered Avenues."
I began my Avenues journey as an agency support worker in Avenues East, where I was quickly encouraged to apply for the Assistant Service Manager position within the service I was supporting. I joined as an Assistant Service Manager in April 2024, and it reignited my passion for management. Avenues provided me with the tools, support, and exceptional training that helped me regain my confidence and enthusiasm for my role.
After only four months, I was thrilled to be able to apply for a promotion upon moving back to London. I am now proud to serve as a Service Manager in our London subsidiary, feeling supported and excited about the opportunities for further development.
Avenues has truly transformed my professional journey, and I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful organisation.