Enock’s Story

As part of Black History Month, we are revisiting an insightful article written by Enock Kamhiriri, a Senior Support Worker in Greater Manchester. Enock wrote about his positive experience working at Creative Support and entered it into our 500 Words competition earlier this year, where he was one of nine runners-up.

I began my journey with Creative Support in August 2024, as a TUPE staff member where the work environment was challenging, to say the least. The company I came from was a toxic place that displayed racism and favouritism, which made it an extremely difficult environment to work in. Staff morale was consistently low, and there was no support for those who were marginalized, which, as a Black man, deeply affected my sense of belonging and self-worth. I felt undervalued, overlooked, and as though my race and background were barriers to my professional growth and personal dignity.

When Creative Support took over the service, I was cautiously optimistic but very quickly I noticed a big difference in the culture, and there was a genuine commitment to inclusivity. Unlike the previous company, where I had to constantly prove myself just to be treated with respect, Creative Support provided an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, was treated with dignity and equal opportunities. The leadership and management team consistently demonstrated a commitment to fairness and transparency. My race or background never seemed to be a factor in the way I was treated.

What truly stood out to me was the recognition of my potential. Despite the challenges I had faced with the previous company, Creative Support saw my capabilities and immediately offered me the opportunity to become a Senior Support Worker. This was a huge milestone for me, as it showed me that my skills, dedication, and experience were valued, not my race or background. The promotion was not just a title change—it was a recognition of my hard work and a demonstration of the trust Creative Support placed in me.

Everyday I see the company’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for all staff members, regardless of colour or race. There is a strong focus on staff development and empowerment, which is something the team here had never experienced before. Creative Support fosters a culture where everyone has the opportunity to excel, and it is a place where diversity is celebrated. The company goes out of its way to create an environment where people from all walks of life feel safe, valued, and appreciated. This has also had a positive impact on the residents we support.

In conclusion, my experience at Creative Support has been a life-changing one. I have gone from a place where I was constantly marginalized to a role where my contributions are recognized and celebrated. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in such an inclusive and supportive environment, and I look forward to continuing to grow within the organization. Creative Support has shown me that with the right leadership and culture, every individual—regardless of race—can succeed and thrive.