WISH South West Winter Newsletter

WISH SW has run a series of ever popular ‘Future of Social Housing’ events – two so far in Southampton and Plymouth which were well attended and the final one in Weston super Mare. The speakers have been excellent and attendees have had plenty of questions for them which has stimulated a good debate each time.

We aim to run more events in the Plymouth area to try and reach out to colleagues and potential WISH members in Devon and Cornwall – we are the largest geographical area and we spend a lot of time thinking about how to reach the most audience.

Our last event in 2017 was on the December 7th 2 – 5pm at the offices of Foot Anstey Solicitors in Bristol. The afternoon was all about maintaining a good work/life balance in today’s flexible working environment. We heard from two quite different speakers, Cam Kinsella, Lead for Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at Merlin Housing and People and Transformation Director at Aster Group, Rachel Credidio. Delegates  gained understanding of how to manage themselves and their teams in our modern, flexible working environments and picked up tips on de-stressing and maintaining good mental health. There was a chance to do lots of networking and to get some luxury pre-Christmas pampering from South Glos College students giving manicures and mini massages together with some drinks and nibbles!

I want to thank all of my fellow board members for their support and commitment over the last year and I look forward with relish to 2018!

Michelle Thomas Chair – SW WISH