At the age of 14 I began volunteering in a nearby residential home for older people , I spent time engaging and chatting with the residents which I enjoyed a great deal . A paid position became available at the same home and as I turned 16 I worked as a care assistant for almost 20 years . I have gained several qualifications along the way including a degree in health and social care , mental health first aider and currently in my last year as a trainee counsellor .