Beginning a career in Care: Madeline’s Story
At just 19 years old, Madeline is already making a huge difference to people’s lives as a care assistant at Abbots Care. She joined the team straight after finishing her A-levels and, in just over a year, has already progressed into a care leadership role.
Her story highlights not only the rewarding opportunities available for young people in care but also the resilience and support needed to thrive in such a responsible role. It’s a reminder of why Abbots Care has partnered with Youth Talk, a local mental health charity for 13–25-year-olds. By supporting Youth Talk, Abbots Care is helping ensure that young people in the local community have access to vital mental health support, free of charge.
Are Young People the Future of Care?
Care work is one of the most rewarding careers you can step into, but it also comes with real responsibility. No two days are ever the same, and care workers often find themselves making a vital difference in moments that matter most. With around 111,000 vacancies across the sector in 2024/25, it’s clear that more people are needed, and young workers can play a key role in filling that gap.
So, what inspires young people to join care at the start of their working lives, and what helps them stay resilient when faced with challenges?
Here, Madeline shares her experience of beginning her career in care, what she’s learned along the way, and why supporting young people’s wellbeing is so important.
A Q&A With A New Care Worker
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into care?
Madeline: My name is Madeline, I am 19, and I’ve been a care assistant at Abbots Care for over a year now (however, I’ve recently been given the opportunity to become a round leader). I started at Abbots a week after I finished my A-levels at the age of 18 and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far.
I had the privilege of supporting my next-door neighbour, who was a client at Abbots Care before she sadly passed away. Whilst I was popping in and helping her out where I could, I could see the carers’ work first hand and realised that I wanted to help change people’s lives for the better.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Madeline: If I’m being honest, no day is the same with this job, but that’s the beauty of it. A typical day consists of going to clients’ homes, getting them up and ready for the day, administering medication, and what I think is most important, offering companionship. This is because with many clients, the carers may be the only faces they see that day, so it is important for me to leave smiles on their faces.
Care work can involve big responsibilities. How have you managed that?
Madeline: Working in care, you can be faced with emergencies. Carers are usually the first people to raise the alarm if clients are in any danger. I have had a couple of occasions where this has happened to me. It’s made me realise how important carers actually are.
When I first started, it was definitely daunting, and I felt like there were so many things to remember. But as time went on and with help from colleagues, I was able to grow my confidence in my job role.
How has this job shaped you as a person?
Madeline: Since starting my career in care, it has made me much more empathetic and has opened my eyes to a community of people that not everyone gets to see. Being 19 years old and starting in care, it has definitely matured me as a person, and I feel a lot more responsible than other people my age.
Is there a memory that always makes you smile when you think back on your work so far?
Madeline: A memory that always makes me smile is when one of my clients told me that he would be “lost without me” and thinks of me like family. This shows how care isn’t just any ordinary job, as you can have a great impact on someone’s wellbeing.
What is the best part about working in care? Why did you choose care rather than an office job, for example
Madeline: The best part about working in care is making a difference to people’s lives. It makes me feel like the work that I do is worthwhile. I wouldn’t necessarily feel the same if I was in an office job. Carers really do play a vital part in the community.
What would you say to someone considering a career in care?
Madeline: I would tell them starting a career in care will be the best thing they will ever do! The smallest thing you do, whether it’s making a client a cup of tea, or just having a chat and a laugh, can have a far greater impact than you might think.
Care isn’t just physical. How important is the companionship and mental support side of the role?
Madeline: I believe mental health support is just as important as physical. Carers help people feel less isolated, and if the client feels better and less isolated, they can communicate better and hopefully will respond better to the care.
How do you stay positive when faced with challenges?
Madeline: Working in care can definitely be challenging at times. In these moments, I remind myself how important my role is and the difference I’m making to people’s lives. To look after my own wellbeing, I make sure to take time for myself, spending time with friends and family or doing hobbies I enjoy.
Having access to mental health support is also really important for young people in care, as we often experience things others our age might not, so finding balance outside of work helps me stay grounded and motivated.
What Abbots Care does to support Care Workers’ mental health
- The Abbots Care App: The Abbots Care wellbeing app was developed by CEO and Co-Founder, Camille Leavold, to support the mental and emotional health of home care workers. Designed in response to the isolation many experienced during the pandemic, the app connects a remote workforce of over 600 people, improving communication, motivation, and company culture. Available from day one of employment, it gives care workers a space to share their feelings, access support from liaison officers, and recognise each other’s achievements.
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): The EAP offers confidential advice and support on personal challenges including bereavement, divorce, and financial issues. Additional well-being resources available through the EAP app include guides, videos, and even options for one-to-one counselling.
- Our Care Worker Liaison Officers: At Abbots Care, our Care Worker Liaison Officers, Alix and Michelle, are dedicated to supporting our care teams every step of the way. From providing guidance and reassurance to checking in on wellbeing, they ensure our care workers feel valued, confident, and equipped to deliver the best possible care. Alix and Michelle act as a vital link between the office and the community, always on hand to listen, advise, and champion our incredible team.
- Mental Health Tips and Advice: We also have lots of great articles on our website looking at mental health in the care sector. You can find them at the bottom of this article.
Our Pledge to Youth Talk
Madeline’s story shows the difference young people can make in care, but also why their wellbeing needs to be supported. Abbots Care is proud to support Youth Talk, a local charity offering free, confidential counselling for 13–25-year-olds.
Together, we’re not only helping the next generation build rewarding careers in care, but we’re ensuring young people have the mental health support they need to thrive.
To show our commitment, we cover the cost of a counselling session every week for a young person in need of support.
Jim Lewis, partnerships manager at Youth Talk said:
“This is such an important story about Madeline and her reasons for joining the care sector at such a young age and how she manages her care for others while navigating her own journey into adulthood. When communities come together to support young people, in this case Abbots Care and Youth Talk, we remind them that their own wellbeing matters just as much as the wellbeing they deliver to others. We are so incredibly grateful to Abbots Care for their continued support of Youth Talk, giving other young people the strength and courage to find meaningful purpose in life, like Madeline’’
Looking for a Career That Matters?
We are always looking for caring and compassionate people to join our team. If you feel inspired by Madeline’s story, visit our careers page to find out more about working at Abbots Care.
