“The Prince's Trust has changed my life more than they will ever know. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, encouraged me, but most of all gave me a chance.”

 Natalie Taylor was a stay-at-home mum to her five children, but her dream was to work in a hospital. After numerous knock-backs it was The Prince’s Trust who helped put her on the road to her new career at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

She said:

"Before I joined The Prince’s Trust programme, I was a stay-at-home mum and full-time carer to my daughter, Diamond-Rose who was born 16 weeks premature in June 2016 at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.

Natalie TaylorDiamond-Rose needed round the clock care. I’d always wanted to be a nurse but after the care, support and dedication the nurses showed us both, I more than ever wanted to work in a hospital to help and support other families and make a difference.

I applied to be a Health Care Assistant (HCA) but after numerous knock-backs I’d almost given up trying when I spotted The Prince's Trust Facebook page. I applied via them – and within 24 hours I got a phone call back!  

It was right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic so although I was excited to get started, I was also very scared when I got my placement on the ward at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.

The course was a mixture of practical and academic learning and when I completed in August 2020, I was delighted to be offered a HCA role on bank shifts.

I gained invaluable experience working on different wards including surgical and stroke but one day a shift became available in the Emergency Department (ED) and although I was very nervous, I booked it - and they have not got rid of me since!

I now have a permanent job in ED. It's the hardest job in the world, but I absolutely love it! Being able to help my patients and make a difference to them in hard and upsetting times and being there to help in any way I can is so rewarding. Plus, my colleagues are wonderful and supportive, and always on hand to help when needed. 

The Prince’s Trust has given me confidence I never knew I had. I’m studying GCSE maths and English so I can train to be a nurse – something that was only ever a pipe dream until I came across that Facebook post."

If Natalie has inspired you to work in healthcare or you want to know more about The Prince’s Trust can help you visit elht.nhs.uk