{"id":34858,"date":"2025-08-28T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/?post_type=customer-stories&p=34858"},"modified":"2025-08-27T09:19:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T08:19:29","slug":"ocs-and-irish-youth-foundation-chris-obriens-journey-to-senior-physiotherapist","status":"publish","type":"customer-stories","link":"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/customer-stories\/ocs-and-irish-youth-foundation-chris-obriens-journey-to-senior-physiotherapist\/","title":{"rendered":"OCS and Irish Youth Foundation: Chris O\u2019Brien\u2019s Journey to Senior Physiotherapist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chris O\u2019Brien\u2019s Journey <\/h2>\n
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Chris O\u2019Brien grew up in the flats of Dublin\u2019s inner city. His dream was to become a physiotherapist, but he faced numerous challenges: limited school resources, social pressures and little support at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it came time to pick school subjects, my guidance counsellor suggested I \u2018look for something different.\u2019 He didn\u2019t believe I could get the points, and my school didn\u2019t offer the science subjects I needed.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chris had attended Declan Keenan\u2019s earlier youth clubs. When he shared his challenge, Declan immediately took action. He persuaded teachers to adjust schedules, connected Chris to after-school grinds in chemistry and maths, and provided a quiet study space – resources Chris could never access in the flats.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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With Declan\u2019s guidance and Just ASK\u2019s support, Chris excelled. He graduated from University College Dublin in 2011 with first-class honours, winning Thesis of the Year. Today, he is the lead Senior Physiotherapist for Paediatric Scoliosis at Temple Street University Hospital.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving an adult believe in me and provide encouragement made all the difference. The support from Declan and his team shaped my career and my life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Future Vision<\/h2>\n
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OCS Foundation remains committed to supporting programmes that create lasting social impact. By continuing our partnership with IYF, we aim to expand opportunities for young people in disadvantaged communities, support pathways to higher education and career success, and provide mentorship and guidance that empowers children to achieve their ambitions. Chris\u2019s story demonstrates the transformative power of guidance, mentorship and belief in potential. Through ongoing support, OCS Foundation and IYF are helping ensure that more young people can overcome barriers, build confidence and create positive futures for themselves and their communities.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n\n\n
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Executive Summary<\/h2>\n
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The Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) supports children and young people from disadvantaged communities across Ireland, funding programmes that provide mentorship, education, and vital life skills. One of their standout initiatives is Just ASK, a homework and guidance club that empowers students to overcome educational and social barriers. OCS partners with IYF because their mission aligns with our commitment to education and community support. By investing in programmes like Just ASK, we help young people gain the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to unlock their potential and build brighter futures.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n \n \n <\/div>\n <\/div> <\/div>\n <\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

OCS and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) partner to help young individuals like Chris O’Brien achieve their dreams through mentorship.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":10000023372,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"contract-type":[],"key-criteria":[],"location":[113],"sector":[],"service-type":[378],"class_list":["post-34858","customer-stories","type-customer-stories","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nOCS and Irish Youth Foundation: Chris O\u2019Brien\u2019s Journey to Senior Physiotherapist - OCS - UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"OCS and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) partner to help young individuals like Chris O\u2019Brien achieve their dreams through mentorship.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/customer-stories\/ocs-and-irish-youth-foundation-chris-obriens-journey-to-senior-physiotherapist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"OCS and Irish Youth Foundation: Chris O\u2019Brien\u2019s Journey to Senior Physiotherapist\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"OCS and the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) partner to help young individuals like Chris O\u2019Brien achieve their dreams through mentorship.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ocs.com\/uk\/customer-stories\/ocs-and-irish-youth-foundation-chris-obriens-journey-to-senior-physiotherapist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"OCS - 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