At Mini First Aid, our trainers and franchisees are at the heart of everything we do. They’re the ones empowering parents, carers and families with life-saving skills - and every single one has their own unique journey that brought them here.

From career changes and fresh starts to long-standing passions for helping others, we asked some of our incredible team to share their stories. How did they discover Mini First Aid? What made them take the leap? And what’s life like now?

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to be part of Mini First Aid, this is for you.

We spoke to Lell, franchise owner of Mini First Aid South East London, and Julie, a trainer for the West & South West London franchise, about their journeys into the world of first aid training with Mini First Aid.

Before Mini First Aid

For many of our trainers and franchisees, life looked very different before joining Mini First Aid. From corporate careers to childcare roles, there’s no single path into the business - just a shared passion for helping others.

What were you doing before you joined Mini First Aid?

Lell (franchisee): “Before Mini First Aid, I worked in a variety of customer service and sales roles, most recently in account management for a large recruitment company in Central London. I took maternity leave after having my first son and began rethinking what I wanted from my career and family life.”

Julie (trainer): “My background was in customer service, admin and childcare, including working as a nanny. Although I enjoyed my previous roles, with my children now grown up I was ready for something more meaningful and rewarding.”

How did you first come across Mini First Aid?

Lell: “After my son suffered severe burns in an accident at just 9 months old, I became passionate about first aid and wanted to retrain as an instructor. While researching qualifications, I came across Mini First Aid and discovered the South East London franchise was available. It felt like the perfect opportunity at the right time.”

Julie: “My cousin Marlene is a Mini First Aid franchisee, so I’d followed her journey from trainer to business owner. Seeing how passionate she was about the role really inspired me.”

Taking the leap

Changing careers can feel daunting, but both Lell and Julie found confidence in the support, flexibility and purpose that Mini First Aid offered.

What made you decide to join Mini First Aid?

Lell: “My son’s accident completely changed my perspective. I wanted to do something meaningful that could help other families feel prepared in an emergency. Mini First Aid gave me the opportunity to build a career around something I genuinely cared about, while also working around my young family.”

Julie: “What stood out to me was how empowering the classes were. I attended one of Marlene’s sessions and loved how warm, accessible and supportive it felt for parents. I left feeling inspired and excited to get involved myself.”

Did you have any worries before starting?

Lell: “Starting a business was a huge decision, especially as we were using savings to launch during a period when many people were still cautious post-Covid. But with the support from Head Office and local marketing already in place, I felt reassured from the beginning.”

Julie: “Absolutely! I’d had workplace first aid training and childcare experience, but I wasn’t medically trained and definitely experienced imposter syndrome. The training and support from Mini First Aid helped build my confidence very quickly.”

The journey so far

From nervous first classes to award wins and growing confidence, both journeys show just how much personal and professional growth can happen with Mini First Aid.

Can you describe your journey since joining?

Lell: “When I first joined, it felt overwhelming stepping into business ownership while raising two children under three. I started by running classes evenings and weekends around family life and gradually built my confidence. Over time I expanded into schools, workplace training and completed my FREC3 qualification. Five years on, the business has grown beyond what I imagined.”

Julie: “It’s been incredibly rewarding. From my first training session to delivering classes independently, my confidence has grown so much. I love meeting parents, grandparents and carers and helping them feel more prepared to keep children safe.”

What’s been your proudest moment?

Lell: “One of my proudest moments was winning the Above & Beyond Award at our recent annual conference for my work supporting The Children’s Burns Trust. As a parent who has personally experienced the trauma of a child burn injury, supporting other families means so much to me.”

Julie: “Delivering my first class confidently was a huge achievement. But the best moments are hearing feedback from parents afterwards - especially when someone tells us they’ve used what they learned in a real-life emergency.”

Life as a franchisee/trainer

No two days are the same at Mini First Aid, and that’s part of what makes the role so rewarding.

What does a typical day look like?

Lell: “My schedule is incredibly varied. I run public baby and child first aid classes at weekends, antenatal sessions during the week, workplace courses and children’s classes in schools. The children’s sessions are always full of energy - and brilliant questions!”

Julie: “Every day is different. One day I might be teaching an antenatal group, the next running a private class for a family at home. It keeps the role exciting and enjoyable.”

What do you enjoy most about the role?

Lell: “The flexibility has been life-changing for my family. I can be present for school events and holidays while doing work I genuinely love. Looking back now, my son’s accident ultimately led me to a career and community that’s brought so much positivity into our lives.”

Julie: “I love meeting so many wonderful people and being part of such an important stage in their parenting journey - plus lots of gorgeous babies!”

Support & community

One thing both Lell and Julie agree on? You’re never on your own at Mini First Aid.

How have you found the support from Mini First Aid?

Lell: “The support from Head Office is exceptional, both professionally and personally. Running your own business can sometimes feel lonely, but the network of franchisees is incredibly supportive and collaborative.”

Julie: “It’s such a fantastic community. The support from Head Office, trainers and franchisees has been amazing, and there’s always someone there to offer advice or encouragement.”

What does being part of the network mean to you?

Lell: “It feels like being part of a community of like-minded people who genuinely want each other to succeed. Everyone shares knowledge, supports one another and celebrates each other’s achievements.”

Julie: “It really does feel like one big family. I’m constantly learning and developing, and it’s so refreshing being part of a team that celebrates each other’s successes.”

Flexibility & lifestyle

For many people, one of the biggest benefits of Mini First Aid is the flexibility it offers.

How does this role fit around your life?

Lell: “This business has allowed me to build a career around my family life rather than the other way around. I can structure my work to be present for my children during school holidays and special moments, which is incredibly valuable to me.”

Julie: “The work-life balance is a huge benefit. I have far more flexibility to plan work around family life and personal commitments.”

Looking ahead

What would you say to someone thinking of joining?

Lell: “If you’re passionate about first aid and helping others, it’s such a rewarding career. Building a business takes hard work, but once you find your rhythm, the flexibility and sense of purpose are incredible. Even becoming a trainer is a brilliant way to be part of the Mini First Aid family.”

Julie: “It can feel like a big step, but I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Retraining at 50 and doing something completely different changed my life. I’ve found my tribe and my purpose.”

What are your goals for the future?

Lell: “This year marks five years of Mini First Aid South East London, and my next goal is growing my team of trainers so we can offer even more classes locally.”

Julie: “I’d love to continue my training so I can teach in schools, nurseries and workplaces too. And who knows - maybe one day I’ll have my own franchise!”

Every Mini First Aid journey is different, but they all start with the same thing: a desire to make a difference.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh start, more flexibility, or a role with real purpose, joining Mini First Aid could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to hear from you. Request your enquiry pack and we’ll be in touch!