Published on: 25th September 2025
Babatunde Babalola, one of our dedicated mental health nurse working with adults across Greater Manchester, has shared details about his career journey to help inspire others.
Fondly known as Baba, his path into healthcare began with a deep-rooted instinct to care for others – starting with his family back in Nigeria.
After moving to the UK to study in 2004, he worked his way up from an entry-level healthcare assistant role to a fully registered mental health nurse.
Baba recalls his younger years: “I remember caring for my grandmother and younger cousins and it all felt so natural to me. I felt so rewarded by the comfort I could bring. I’d use skills I’d learnt by watching videos to help. It made me feel like I had a true purpose and that feeling never left me – it was a calling.”
After finishing his degree, Baba worked in security for several years — including a role at Wembley Stadium, where seeing people supported by carers first sparked his interest in mental health.
He explained: “I saw lots of people attend with carers and support workers. I’d always had an interest in healthcare, but I’d never considered the illnesses we cannot see – like mental illness. I wanted to learn more about how to help them.”
He volunteered in a dementia care home, where he thrived. Colleagues soon noticed his skill and compassion, how well he fit in and how patients enjoyed having him there, which led to him being offered a permanent job.
Following this, he made the move into NHS mental health rehabilitation services, followed by an adult acute mental health ward in Bury as a nursing assistant – a role he instantly fell in love with. He explained: “Patients can spend quite a long time on the wards, and you can see their progress and know you’ve made a real difference. The role is so fulfilling.
“Mental health is about treating what you cannot see, which makes it so important. It became clear to me that anyone can experience poor mental health, and it has a ripple effect impacting on loved ones.”
Baba went on to achieve his care certificate, before going on to complete a university degree to qualify as a registered mental health nurse. His career has gone from strength to strength, and he was recently promoted from mental health nurse to deputy ward manager.
Positive difference - Kerry's story
For Baba, his passion for making a positive difference to every patient is why he comes to work.
Kerry, 47, from Bury was supported by Baba during her time as an inpatient on Fairfield Hospital’s north ward. She said: “Baba was there for me in my darkest hours. He always showed such kindness and compassion. When Baba was on shift it was always a better day. The ward felt lighter. As well as his own tasks, he goes out of his way to set up board games, play table tennis and take patients down to the gym.
"Even though he’s so early into his career, you’d think he’d been doing the job for 20 years, with his confidence, personality, and ability to put you at ease. Baba embodies every core value of an NHS nurse; the health and wellbeing of his patients is at the heart of everything he does.”
When asked what advice he would give to others considering a career in mental health, Baba said: “Think to yourself - are you caring? If you are, you can build on those skills and change lives. I started in an entry level job and never looked back – nothing is stopping you from doing the same.”
“Work is like a family. I do this to be on the floor, talking to patients, getting to know them. I go home every day with a sense of pride.”
Explore careers
If you're inspired by Baba’s story and would like to explore a career in mental health, visit www.penninecare.nhs.uk/working-for-us. A range of roles are available, including apprentice, work placement and volunteering options for those not qualified yet.