Michael follows his dreams!

Through our ground-breaking Inclusive Volunteering programme, Community Integrated Care has been pleased to see Michael Turner, a person we support in the North East, emerge as a prolific photographer across numerous star-studded events!

Michael, who is autistic, first discovered his passion for photography when his brother, Dave, invited him to photograph some games on behalf of Hartlepool Tech Rugby Club.

Since this initial opportunity, our charity has enabled Michael to offer his photography skills at a Rugby League World Cup game at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, alongside events at Super League’s Magic Weekend and the Hartlepool Tall Ships Races.

Additionally, Michael had the pleasure of being an accredited match day photographer for the Rugby World Cup Cook Islands vs Tonga game at the Riverside.

Through his volunteering efforts, Michael has worked with an ever-expanding list of organisations, including The PFC Trust, Hartlepool Sport, Hartlepool Wadokai and Manilla Cycling.

Michael told the Hartlepool Mail, “I like all aspects of photography, walking about taking photos of wildlife, flowers and events.”

“It has helped me with my autism as it is something I can do on my own.”

Our Sports Inclusion Specialist, Kelly Daley, said, “Michael is an unbelievable talent and since I began working with him last year, I have watched him grow in confidence, and like all of the people we support, he just needed a platform to showcase his abilities.”

“Our Inclusive Volunteering programme has been life-changing on so many levels for the people that we support!”