“I felt part of a team from the outset. BCHA invested in me, offering me training and helping me to develop."

Greg O’Mallo had his whole life mapped out as a professional footballer. But his true calling would be helping others to achieve their goals.

Greg has been with BCHA for nine years and is currently Employability & Skills Manager, overseeing a department which helps people turn their lives around by learning new skills, accessing new opportunities and celebrating their successes.

“After spending a lot of my childhood in Germany where my father was in the Army, we moved to the UK when I was 10 and I signed for Southampton FC at 15.

“My whole life was mapped out as a footballer and I lived and breathed it.

“I left school and became a full time footballer. But then I received the news every young footballer dreads – I was being released.

“This was a huge blow and was difficult to come to terms with at first.

“At 18 I started working in Youth Services and ran a sports project for youngsters – and that’s when my career became a vocation.”

Greg went on to join BCHA as a New Deal Placement Officer supporting the long-term unemployed.

“I felt part of a team from the outset. BCHA invested in me, offering me training and helping me to develop.”

“The people I work with are great and the people we help are frankly amazing.

“We provide learning and training opportunities for hundreds of people each year, supporting them into employment, volunteering and further education.

“Seeing them come to us without hopes and dreams and leaving with skills and a sense of purpose is unbeatable.

“We also offer the National Citizenship Service to hundreds of 15-17 years olds each year and I never get tired of seeing a new cohort flourish in confidence and develop invaluable leadership skills.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of BCHA and honoured to be called a Bchangemaker.”