By Joe Nightingale, Recruitment Consultant
Celebrating Inclusion, Community, and Personal Journeys
Last week, the P4 Recruitment team had the absolute pleasure of attending the Disability Pride event in Preston, and what a fantastic day it was! The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with energy, joy, and a real sense of unity, a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating difference, promoting inclusion, and recognising the achievements of disabled people in our communities.
It was especially heartwarming for me on a personal level. The event was run by Caritas Care, an organisation very close to my heart. I worked for Caritas over ten years ago, and being back among familiar faces felt like stepping into a time capsule, in the best possible way. I was genuinely moved to see some of the colleagues I once worked alongside and reconnect with service users I had the privilege of supporting all those years ago.
My journey with Caritas Care began in their day service, which was my first hands-on experience working with individuals with complex health needs. It was a steep learning curve, but an incredibly rewarding one. From there, I moved into a supported living role, eventually stepping up into a senior position.
What truly stood out to me during my time there was the quality of training, and the level of support offered, not just to staff, but to every individual who accessed services. Caritas wasn’t just a job for me, it was a place that shaped my professional identity and gave me the foundation to grow, both personally and within the care sector. Watching service users hit their own little milestones, whether it was trying something new or simply having a good day, was something that stayed with me. Those experiences helped mould me into the person I am today.
It was lovely to share this event with my colleagues at P4 Recruitment. We’re passionate about supporting and recruiting the very best in health and social care and being present at Disability Pride reaffirmed just how important this work is. It was a reminder of the power of community, care, and the importance of inclusion.
Of course, no event in Preston is complete without a cheeky wander over to the Indoor Market and yes, the lunch was absolutely worth the calories!
A huge well done to everyone involved in organising such a meaningful and inclusive event. Here’s to many more celebrations of difference, dignity, and pride.