Sean’s journey with Calico is one that many of us will recognise: slow, steady progress, built on belief, patience, and the right support at the right time.
He first came to our male refuge several years ago, as one of the very first men to stay there. At that point, life felt uncertain. But even then, Sean knew he wanted to find his way back into a routine, rebuild his confidence, and eventually give something back to the people who had helped him.
In June 2024, he took the first step by volunteering with Calico Enterprise. It wasn’t about rushing into anything big or overwhelming. For Sean, it was simply about getting used to a working pattern again and reminding himself of what he was capable of. Over time, those small steps started adding up. He grew more comfortable, more confident, and more involved.
From there, he began volunteering with Customer Service in Calico Homes, and by March 2025, he also started volunteering with Safenet. That was a big moment for him; a real full circle feeling, returning to support the very service that had once supported him. He now volunteers two days a week in Calico Enterprise and one day in Safenet, showing real commitment across teams.
As he settled into volunteering, Sean didn’t just turn up; he got involved. He became part of Calico’s Voice of Enterprise and This Is Me groups, bringing his thoughts, his experience, and his willingness to help shape things in a positive way. It’s a great example of someone embracing the One Calico culture and really feeling part of something.
In March, he spoke at the Safenet management meeting about his journey; where he started, what volunteering has meant to him, and how far he’s come. His message was clear; progress doesn’t have a set timeline. You move at the pace that works for you, and that’s okay. Sean is living proof that steady, consistent steps can take you exactly where you need to be.
A couple of weeks ago, he interviewed for a relief role at Safenet. And he got it.
It’s hard to imagine a better full‑circle moment. The place that helped him is now the place where he’ll be helping others.
Sean’s journey hasn’t been fast or flashy, but that’s why it matters. It shows the importance of patience, belief, and a personalised approach to recovery, and what can happen when someone is given the time and space to move forward in their own way.
Sean reflected on his time volunteering at Safenet with great pride, saying: “It helped to give me a sense of accomplishment and to build upon growing my confidence and self-esteem. I have developed new skills and further enhanced my connections with both clients and other staff members within Calico. I now feel much more able to empower others not only through my own personal experiences, but through the extensive knowledge, training and dedication of my colleagues.
“I have also helped residents to engage on the ‘My Life My Way’ program, providing them with an awareness of healthy relationships and to develop invaluable life skills. As a volunteer, this has given me inspiration to help others further and the confidence to assist in group work which I found one to be one of my key passions.”
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported Sean along the way, including Calico Enterprise, Rachel Jackson, Customer Service, as well as Liam Hartley and Paris Bretherton at Safenet. Their encouragement has played a huge part in helping him reach this point.
And for Sean, this is just the start of the next chapter.
