Darren, who lives in one of Agincare’s Learning Disability Supported Living Services in Staffordshire, has always loved motorbikes. His favourite bike is a Kawasaki Ninja, and he has even met his idol, TT rider John McGuinness.
When Darren first moved in, his Team Leader, Melissa Gadd, took the time to understand his interests. She says:
“I discovered Darren has a real passion for motorbikes and mechanics, so I spoke to the local garage, DK Motorcycles, about him trialling voluntary work one day a week. They agreed, and Darren has now been volunteering there for two and a half years. He is thriving in the workplace environment, gaining confidence, building relationships, and enjoying the camaraderie. He helps strip bike parts, list them online, and even sits in the canteen with the team at lunch.”
Darren says:
“Working at DK Motorcycles is really fun. I enjoy working with Matt, who has become a good friend. He’s shown me how to use tools and strip and clean bike parts. I love looking at the race bikes—there are about a thousand bikes in the showroom, and it’s amazing!”
Matt Cartlidge, Mechanic at DK Motorcycles, adds:
“Darren helps with jobs in the workshop, cleans bike parts for resale, and polishes display bikes. I enjoy teaching him about the different engine parts. Giving people with learning disabilities opportunities like this boosts confidence, improves mental health, and encourages understanding among the wider team. We really enjoy seeing Darren each week.”
Our Learning Disability service in Staffordshire is an excellent example of person-centred care. Darren’s volunteering shows the importance of understanding people’s interests and turning them into real-life opportunities. We’re extremely proud of our care teams and the impact they make.
The Staffordshire service provides 24-hour support for three individuals, demonstrating exceptional personalised care that encourages independence, confidence, and meaningful engagement.
Darren’s story is a perfect example of Agincare’s person-centred approach in action. By understanding his passions and interests, our team was able to create a real-life opportunity that builds skills, confidence, and social connections. With tailored support and encouragement, Darren has flourished in his volunteering role at DK Motorcycles, gaining independence and enjoying meaningful engagement every week. Stories like Darren’s highlight how Agincare goes beyond standard care to empower people, support their ambitions, and enrich their lives within the community.