Building a caring culture and community

At Girton Green, our Housing Manager, Sophie Hughes, reflects on her team, the residents, and the strong sense of community they’re building together.

Part of a supportive team

I joined as Housing Manager in March 2024, bringing with me 11 years of experience in housing. From day one, I felt excited to take this next step in my career. The team here are incredible—everyone is dedicated to supporting one another and going above and beyond to ensure residents are well cared for and have everything they need.

What I enjoy most about my role is the daily interaction with our residents. It’s wonderful to be part of a team that brings together people from different walks of life, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Our culture is resident-focused, making sure they feel safe, valued, and happy.

Building a positive work culture

I’m committed to cultivating a positive, supportive work environment for our staff. My leadership style is open and approachable. I want my team to know they can always come to me. While we hold regular staff meetings and one-on-one sessions, my door is always open for any concerns or ideas. My goal is to ensure they feel heard, appreciated, and supported in all aspects of their work.

Continuous learning is key, not just for staff but for residents as well. Whether it’s through apprenticeship programmes for employees or providing residents with access to fitness classes and personalised wellness sessions, we’re dedicated to growth. Empowering residents to maintain their independence and boosting staff confidence through ongoing training are at the heart of what we do.

Supporting the local community

Our commitment extends beyond our walls. For instance, every Monday we host a computer club that’s open to both residents and people from the local community. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to enhance their tech skills while forming new friendships.

We’re also focused on building partnerships with other organisations, working together to enrich the lives of our residents and older people in the wider community.

Facilities and fun

Girton Green offers a wealth of activities and facilities, creating an energetic, thriving community. One of the highlights is the residents’ coffee shop, which they run themselves. Proceeds from the shop fund various social activities, ranging from quiz nights and bingo sessions to live musical entertainment. On these special evenings, our chef will prepare a delicious buffet, and residents bring their own wine to enjoy with others.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, and here at Girton Green, we believe in embracing fun at every age.

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