I have worked in retirement housing for the past 12 years, during which I have had the pleasure of working with two housing associations.

I worked at Riverside Housing as a Sheltered Scheme Manager, I then changed roles to Health and Wellbeing Coordinator for all 43 sheltered schemes in Merseyside. This role was such a pleasure as it really ensured all our tenants were supported across all schemes and that no one felt isolated or lonely. I took the lead on many projects, one of my favourites being intergenerational work with local primary schools including linking in with Liverpool Football Club.

My next role was with Your Housing Group where I managed a 111-bed extra care scheme. I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 years there however, when I saw the job role advertised for Gorselands Court and researched Retirement Security…

“…I was completely overwhelmed by their ethos and when I read ‘Communities for Owners run by Owners’ I applied straight away.”

Over my career I have had a few interviews but never have I experienced one quite like I did at Gorselands Court. I thought it was so inventive to have Owners interview each candidate; after all they are the ones working alongside the Court Manager for many years to come. I was thrilled to find out I had secured the role. I joined Owners at their coffee morning before I started, and as soon as I walked in I knew I had made the right choice. I felt a true sense of community spirit straight away.

My first two weeks at Gorselands Court was spent with the previous Court Manager, Paul O’Brien. To find out Paul would be my Services Manager going forward really was the icing on the cake.

By week three I took over the reins, it was all going so well until disaster struck and I was having to deal with a major burst water pipe fivefoot-deep underground! I have to say in all my years I don’t think I have experienced such a flood of water coming from underground. ‘It never rains but it pours’.

Having had varied roles within retirement housing I have a lot to bring to my new role. I have many ideas and have already made positive changes; the support from the Directors and Owners has been invaluable.

“The staff team have warmly welcomed me and really do go above and beyond in their work, I can’t thank them enough. It has been a joy getting to know everybody and I look forward to many fruitful years ahead at Gorselands Court.”