A personal approach to resident wellbeing
They say that a house is made of bricks, but a home is made by the people who fill it with life. Here at Girton Green, we are starting a new chapter by welcoming Adrian, our new Housing Manager, into our wonderful community. We caught up with Adrian to learn more about his professional path to Girton Green, his spontaneous marathon experience as well as what he hopes to achieve in his new position.
A new chapter in independent living
Adrian joins the team with a wealth of experience and a desire to take on a fresh challenge within the housing sector.
“I have spent many years in the care sector but after recently moving back to the area I felt I needed a new challenge. I was happy to find Girton Green and I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career. While this is my first role specifically in the housing sector I am bringing many years of experience of operations along with transferable skills and knowledge to Girton Green.
First impressions and a resident led welcome
“While job interviews are often formal affairs behind closed doors my introduction to Girton Green was far more personal and welcoming. I met one of the residents on the interview panel and realised the community within Girton Green were there to support me in my role which made a lasting impression on me. I plan to cultivate this sense of mutual respect every day because I believe the secret to a strong relationship between management and residents is simply honesty.
Priorities and peace of mind
Adrian is committed to being a visible presence in the community and ensuring that resident wellbeing remains the top priority.
“I am not someone who likes to sit behind a desk all day so my top priority for my first six months is to meet with as many residents as possible and to build relationships with the wider Abbeyfield team. I know that peace of mind is the primary reason people choose to live here and I view my role as engaging with residents daily and taking time to listen and address any comments they may have. My goal is to make sure the team here always keeps our residents at the heart of everything we do, and at the end of a busy week I know I have done a good job if I can see the residents smiling.
“I am not someone who likes to sit behind a desk all day so my top priority for my first six months is to meet with as many residents as possible and to build relationships with the wider Abbeyfield team. I know that peace of mind is the primary reason people choose to live here and I view my role as engaging with residents daily and taking time to listen and address any comments they may have.”
-Adrian, Housing Manager at Girton Green
Food fun and accidental marathons
Residents might be surprised to learn that Adrian is a man of hidden talents and perhaps a bit of spontaneous bravery.
"I ran/walked the London marathon in 2011 in without any training," he admits. "I bought my running footwear three days before the event." That same energy is being channelled into the social life at Girton Green. Adrian is particularly excited about the bi-weekly events currently being planned in the restaurant. "The restaurant is a particular highlight for me and the chef is producing wonderful food," he says. He also believes that new activities should be "resident led with our support."
Looking ahead
As Adrian settles in, he is keen to bridge the gap between Girton Green and the wider community.
“My team and I will be reaching out to local organisations especially within the village of Girton. I have also been meeting with residents and their families to gain more knowledge of why they moved here in the first place. For those considering a move to independent living I suggest that you come and meet our wonderful residents and team. If you see me in the hallway or enjoying the cinema room, please feel free to share a joke. After all the best piece of advice I have ever received from a resident is to not take life too seriously.”
Discover Girton Green
Located in the quiet village of Girton on the outskirts of historic Cambridge, Girton Green offers a modern approach to independent living through 76 high-quality apartments. Since 2012, this community-led development has focused on resident wellbeing, with social life revolving around ‘The Street’ and its resident-run coffee shop. From the cinema and gym to the proactive Residents' Committee, every feature is designed to provide a secure home where residents can enjoy their retirement with complete peace of mind.
Learn more about life at Abbeyfield
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