A LEADING health and social care charity has been recognised with a national accreditation for its workplace culture.

Alternative Futures Group (AFG) achieved the Great Place to Work accreditation based on feedback from more than 85 per cent of its colleagues.

Staff at the charity, which runs Lea Court in Dallam, said their work "has a special meaning" and is not "just a job".

In addition, 84 per cent of employees said they "have good conversations with their manager" and the same percentage reported being offered training and development opportunities.

The accolade reflects AFG's decade-long dedication to creating a positive working environment, with employee participation rising from 13 per cent in 2014.

The anonymous questionnaire requires a trust index score of 65 per cent, and AFG scored 71 per cent.

The charity shared some of the comments from its employees, including: "I love working here.

Alternative Futures Group long service lunch in Liverpool (Image: Darren Robinson) "I genuinely cannot think of anything that would make it a better place to work for me."

Another staff member said: "I wouldn’t change anything, it’s a great place to work."

Christina Valente, who has been with AFG for 14 years and works in a supported living property in Lancaster, said: "When I first started at AFG, I thought 'what a wonderful organisation'.

"I have worked in other places where you feel like a number rather than a person.

"It’s not like that here.

"I feel I have been treated fairly and with respect.

"I am never afraid to voice my opinion."

Ms Valente praised the charity's support system, saying: "We are kept well informed, so we have everything we need to give the best support to the people we look after.

"There are online learning resources, policies, and procedures in place, and I never feel afraid to ask if I am unsure of something.

"I can ask anybody for support, from my team leader to HR, and know I won’t be looked down on."

She added: "I get a lot of joy from helping the people I support to live a happy life.

"I’ve never found it difficult; I find it fun."