Mandeep Celebrates Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month and this year’s theme is “We belong here, and we’re here to stay”.  Mandeep has been a receptionist for Certitude for nearly 19 years and in this blog, he tells us what this means for him.

I started with Certitude in 2006 when it was Ealing Consortium.  I was on a placement from Learning Curve, a work programme for people with learning disabilities, that helped me get ready for work by doing courses in IT and Customer Service. When I finished my placement, I was offered a full-time job. I felt proud about this – all my hard work in my courses had paid off.

Since I started, Ealing Consortium have had two new offices and two new names to become Certitude.  In that time, I’ve met lots of different colleagues and learned so many new things. I’m still learning every day. I think my favourite thing I have learned is Excel Spreadsheets. I can use them for my work and to keep on top of the Premier League (and my beloved 2025 Champions, Liverpool FC).

My favourite thing about my job is being out front and helping people when they arrive. I love meeting new people and finding out the most important things about them - where they work, what their favourite football team is, and how they take their tea. I’m told I make a great cuppa and I usually remember how people take theirs.

I support the people who work in the office by answering the phone, doing the post, reminding them to sign in, making sure we have all the things we need and that the environment is safe. Sometimes I need some support from my colleagues, but I’m lucky to have lots of people around me who don’t mind giving me a bit of support when it’s needed, just like I do for them when the printer is playing up!

Having a full-time job is tiring sometimes, but it makes me feel good. I like feeling useful and having my own money. I also love being part of my team and the organisation and going to our events as a proud member of staff.