This National Apprenticeship Week and LGBT+ History Month we shine the light on Raymond, who candidly shares his personal story and talks about how having access to an inclusive apprenticeship at Practice Plus Group empowered him to grow, progress, and make a real difference.
In February we celebrate both National Apprenticeship Week and LGBT+ History Month, and what better way to highlight how inclusive apprenticeships build confidence, improve careers and deliver better healthcare for everyone than sharing Raymond’s story?
Raymond Davies-Brown, a Nurse Associate at HMP Isle of Wight, reflects on coming out, finding his confidence, and building a career in prison healthcare thanks to an apprenticeship at Practice Plus Group.
He shares: “I am 26 years old and I grew up in a small town in southwest Wales in a very big family. When I came out, it turned out to be far easier than I had imagined. I had experienced bullying and had convinced myself that people would reject me, but the opposite happened. My family were supportive and accepting, and I felt reassured very quickly.
“I studied health and social care at school and later trained in complementary therapies. I worked in domiciliary care, residential care homes and later spent six years as a personal assistant for someone with a spinal injury. After he sadly passed away, I began considering my next steps.
Prison healthcare was not something I had considered before, but I felt my personal experience of bullying while growing up developed my empathy and resilience. Those experiences thought me how to support people from marginalised backgrounds, including those in prison”.
“I joined Practice Plus Group in 2022 as a healthcare assistant in HMP Isle of Wight. At school, I struggled academically and I genuinely believed I would never be able to have a career or a degree. But when I learned that Practice Plus Group offered apprenticeships, everything changed.
I started training as a Student Nursing Associate in May 2023 and completed my course last month. I am now planning my next step to become a registered adult nurse through a top-up apprenticeship.
The support from my managers and mentors has been incredible. Having protected learning time, regular supervision, and encouragement made balancing work and study possible.
Feeling accepted and supported at work gave me the confidence to believe I could succeed academically for the first time”.
“Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has influenced how I work. I always look at the whole person rather than relying on one label.
Initially I was worried about discrimination, but I was soon proven wrong: for the past three years I have felt respected, supported, and safe at work. Plus having access to development and progression opportunities showed me that my background and identity were not barriers, but strengths”.
“Prison healthcare is more inclusive than many people realise. It is supportive, professional, and patient focused. I would encourage anyone to consider a career with Practice Plus Group.
