Meet the Resident Experience Manager at Homewell Spring

From working as a holiday representative across Europe to organising events and supporting families in care, Helen’s career has taken her in some unexpected directions. Throughout it all, one thing has remained constant: her love of meeting people, building relationships and making others feel welcome.

Now, after more than six years in care home admissions, Helen has joined the team at Anavo’s new care home, Homewell Spring in Havant. Known for her infectious energy, warmth and down-to-earth approach, she has a natural ability to put people at ease. She’s looking forward to helping families find the right support and building strong connections between the new home and the local community.

We sat down with Helen to hear about her unexpected route into care, the experiences that have shaped her and what she hopes to bring to Homewell Spring.

Where did your career begin?

After completing my A-levels, I started working in credit control at the company where my dad worked. They supported me to study accounting qualifications alongside my job, but after a few years I started to feel there was more I wanted to explore.

I went on holiday to Spain with some friends and absolutely loved it. When I came home, I decided to apply to become a holiday representative. I got an interview, went to Majorca for training and was placed in Ibiza with First Choice Holidays. That was the start of a huge and exciting chapter of my life.

What did working overseas teach you?

People often think being a holiday representative is just about having fun, but it’s hard work and a huge responsibility. You have sales targets and customer service expectations, and when something goes wrong, you’re often the first person people turn to.

It taught me resilience, problem-solving and the importance of showing up and putting everything into your work. I progressed from being a representative to a team leader, then managed the Twenty’s youth brand in Ibiza. In the winters, I worked with families in the Canary Islands too.

Those experiences gave me the foundations for so much of what I’ve achieved since.

Where did your career take you next?

I worked in hospitality in an Italian ski resort, managed a bar in Ibiza and became involved in promotions for Judge Jules’s Judgement Sundays at Eden nightclub. That included organising teams, working with tour operators and looking after the logistics for DJs, from flights to guest lists and schedules.

I loved bringing people together. Whether I was organising a themed night or remembering everyone’s drinks order, I enjoyed making people feel welcome. Later when I had my son, I worked in artist management from home. Once my son went to school, I wanted to get back into a workplace where I could have that human interaction.

How did you find your way into care?

I applied for an administration job at a local care home. During the interview, they mentioned another position: Home Admissions Advisor. I didn’t know what that meant at first, but when they explained the sales and marketing role, I thought, “I’ve done that all my life.”

I got the job at Wellington Vale and stayed for more than six years. I developed my knowledge of care and funding, but the part I loved most was getting to know residents and their families. It was an unexpected move, but it suited me so well.

What matters most to you when supporting families?

People need to feel they’re speaking to a human being who is knowledgeable and is there to support them. I want families to feel comfortable with me and know they can ask questions anytime.

I remember people’s names and their stories because I invest in getting to know them. That doesn’t stop once someone moves in. I like checking in with new residents, talking to relatives and getting to know the people who come into the home.

Sometimes a trip from my desk to reception takes much longer than expected because I’ve stopped to speak to people along the way. Those conversations are an important part of what I do, and they make my day more enjoyable too.

What attracted you to Anavo?

I was ready for a new challenge when contacted about the role, and the conversations felt right from the start. I was excited by the opportunity to bring my experience and personality to a brand-new home.

It was lovely to feel that my warmth and enthusiasm would be welcomed, because they’re such a big part of how I connect with families. Joining Anavo has felt like a natural next step, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together at Homewell Spring.

What are you looking forward to at Homewell Spring?

I am really looking forward to working with Panagiota, the Home Manager, and getting the home established within the community. We get on so well, talk ideas through and share a passion and focus on looking after residents, families and colleagues.

I want local people to feel connected to the home. I’m building relationships with community groups and businesses and exploring opportunities to volunteer and support local events.

I love giving back to the community and I’m looking forward to welcoming people in and helping those relationships grow.

Thinking about a career in care

If you love working with people and want a career where you can make a difference every day, explore the opportunities available across Anavo: https://www.anavogroup.com/careers/