July is Disability Pride Month and Ambulance Care Assistant Mike Andrews shares his journey through several roles since joining us in 2016, and how joining our Disability Network has helped support and build his confidence.

“I joined the Disability Network not long after I started with NWAS, and I began to learn about my rights as a disabled person and protected characteristics under the equality act in 2010.

“Through the network, I learnt that I could ask for a reasonable adjustment, which helped me perform better whilst working as an ambulance care assistant.

“In April 2024 I took a secondment position within the wellbeing team which I did until November 2024. In this role I gave several presentations to groups of staff, which I never thought I would do. I credit this to being part of the Disability Network, as it gave me the confidence to do this.

“I would never have thought when I started with the trust in 2016 that I would apply for the emergency medical technician apprenticeship, but the backing I received and the support from the Disability Network, gave me the confidence to take my next steps within my career.”