Young carers in the spotlight: Meet Olivia Galvin

Working in social care is not for the faint hearted. Long hours, challenging circumstances and dealing with vulnerable individuals would put plenty of people off.

Despite all this, 19-year-old Olivia Galvin is determined to make a career in social care and is currently working two roles at MHA Bradbury Grange, in Whitstable, Kent.

Olivia splits her time at the home, which provides residential and residential dementia care for 50 residents as an activity coordinator and care assistant.

Personal circumstances involving a grandparent who was living with Dementia gave Olivia a taste of what it was like prior to working in social care.

Olivia started working at the home after finding out about the role from a friend who worked at the home whilst she was still at Sixth Form.

After completing her education in health and social care Olivia decided to work full time and has not looked back since.

Speaking about her roles she said: “ I love having a mix of the roles and they both work have helped massively in me having good relationships with the residents.

“As an activity coordinator I enjoy taking residents out, having a laugh with them and as a carer my main job is making sure they are happy and comfortable.

“I love working at MHA Bradbury Grange, I have been here for more than two years and it's a great place to work.

“When I first started, I was immediately looked after and I want to credit all those who gave me help, advice and allowed me to shadow them.

“I like being the youngest at the home, one of my colleagues has been here for more than 40 years so the experience you get is second to none

“In the two years I have worked here, it has taught me a lot, especially on how to stay patient, calm and most importantly look after the needs of the residents.

“One advice I was given very early on was to treat the residents like they are your own grandparents, this is something that has stuck with me and always will.

“I do believe you can have a career in care, it's not easy, but if you have the right intentions and are willing to learn, you can.”

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