It made a lasting impression

When Brenda Sibanda was young her mum, like many parents, decided it would be a good idea to take her to her workplace. It made a lasting impression on her. Eventually, this led her to Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield’s door.

Here Mum was a hospital nurse in Zimbabwe and the trips included visiting an operating theatre.

“Oh, my goodness, it was scary at first but then I got used to it,” she said.

“It gave me a good grounding in health care. I realised how important the job was and it was an area I wanted to work in.”

Brenda has always had a love of exploring and at college studied travel and tourism. This later led to a job in Dubai. There, she combined working in a restaurant with studying for a diploma in health and social care.

I make sure I am smiling when I come through the door

“My motto is life is too short to be grumpy,” she says. “Some customers spend all day alone, when we visit they want a bit of laughter, a chance to chat so when I come through the door I make sure I am smiling.”

Brenda, 29, has found this positive approach is important for gaining the trust of customers. She encourages them to lead a conversation and enjoys listening to their life stories.

“There comes a moment when they open up, it’s a lovely moment because it means you have gained trust and then hopefully if anything is wrong they will tell you and you can help,” said Brenda.

Caremark are a good company to work for

She has been with Caremark Mansfield and Ashfield for three years now and enjoys travelling when possible. She’s visited Malta, Canada and South Africa with Zanzibar and the Maldives next on her to do list.

But at the moment there’s a more pressing matter – she’s just given birth to her first child Irie. Now she is on maternity leave.

“Caremark are a good company to work for, they look after their staff and I now have nine months paid maternity leave,” said Brenda.

“I will return after my leave and perhaps when Irie is older I’ll take him to work one day like my Mum did with me.” 

About Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield

To find out more about working for our family-run company, please view our home care jobs in Mansfield and Ashfield or call us today on 01623 259779.