Happy 10th Anniversary, Habiba!

When Shine first opened the doors of 76 Ashford Crescent, the house that is now known as Ashford House was our first unit. It marked the start of our services. And it marked the start of a 10-year (so far) career for Habiba.

Habiba is our longest serving care worker, joining Manoj Mahtani at the very start of Shine Partnerships. She has worked there ever since, not just providing care for the residents of Ashford Lodge, but also much-needed stability. She is a constant presence – a familiar face that can be relied upon to be there most days.

However, Habiba’s long-term relationship with Shine doesn’t just have benefits for residents and service users. She has mentored many Shine care workers and colleagues in what we all know is both a rewarding career, but one that can also be challenging. And her experience also helps management develop the buildings and the services they offer.

Over the years, Shine has also acquired 74, and then 72 Ashford Cresent, creating Ashford Lodge and Ashford Manor, and adding complementary services at that location. Habiba has helped bring these services to reality introduced both new residents and new staff to Shine.

“I love the work,” says Habiba. “It is great to see residents taking control of their lives and becoming healthier, happier and stronger. But I really enjoy introducing new staff to the Shine way of working. We are methodical and meticulous. But most of all, we try to be, if not a family then a household, where everyone works and lives together and supports each other. It’s like being at my second home every day.”

Originating from Somalia, Habiba enjoys life in North London. It’s quieter and more relaxed than much of the busy city, with open countryside just minutes away by car, yet with good public transport links that can whisk you into the city centre. With a rewarding job and great surroundings, it’s perhaps hot such a surprise that so many Shine employees, like Habiba, stay for the long-term.