Looking after older folks with dementia is about as tough a job as it comes – but that hasn’t stopped Mansfield learner Kayleigh Stuart from proving she can do it.

The 17-year-old decided to dedicate her professional life to others after a successful work placement at the Oak Apple care home in the Woodhouses area of the town. Bosses there were so impressed by her kind, patient nature with the residents that they took her on full-time.

Kayleigh Stuart

Issues at home meant that Kayleigh’s education stalled after Year Nine. She was always eager to learn some practical skills but, she says: “There was no guidance at high school – my head was really screwed up back then.”

After an unhappy spell at a high street shop, Kayleigh cashed in on the chance to go to Rathbone’s new centre on Rosemary Street in Mansfield. She quickly picked-up key skill qualifications and was then offered the opportunity to go to Oak Apple. “I knew it was my big chance” said Kayleigh who now cares for around 10 residents at a time.

For inspiration, Kayleigh needs to look no further than one of her colleagues at Oak Apple – Kelly Coalwood. Nine years ago, Kelly was working in a factory which she admits: “I didn’t enjoy! I didn’t know what to do so, like Kayleigh, I volunteered to care for residents at Oak Apple. Now I am Care Manager at the home.”

Continued Kelly: “I was grateful for the chance. Young people can’t get experience unless someone gives them the opportunity. It’s early days for Kayleigh but she is a kind girl and we’re finding out that she can do the job.”