At Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham, the house managers are the heart of our communities. They oversee the day-to-day running of our four houses to ensure residents have the best living experience.

We recently caught up with Charlene, the Manager of Abbeyfield House, Keynsham, to find out what drew her to Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham and what’s kept her working here for the last 15 years!

After working at Royal Mail for many years, and becoming a well-known face in the community, Charlene joined Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham in 2010. She says “I was looking for a completely different career change but still wanted to work with people. I knew people who volunteered for Abbeyfield, so when a job became available, I applied and the rest they say, is history!”

In 2016, Charlene was promoted to House Manager in Keynsham, a role that she has enjoyed ever since – and the best part? “Helping to support older people remain as independent as they possibly can with good food, companionship and a feeling of being a valued part of our Abbeyfield family.”

At Abbeyfield we want residents to feel that our houses are their home. We strive to create the perfect balance of privacy and community; en-suite apartments give residents a space to call their own whilst our communal dining and living rooms give people the opportunity to make new connections and friendships.

The house managers play an important role in creating sociable communities within our houses. Each has its own calendar of activities, depending on what residents enjoy, and in Keynsham House you’ll often find Charlene running the weekly poetry group or outside in the beautiful garden helping to make bee bars! For Charlene joining in with activities and being around the residents is one of the best things about her role and sees it as a “privilege” to spend her days “with the most amazing people who are full of so many wonderful stories and memories”.  

So, what has kept Charlene working at Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham for 15 years? It’s the people. To her working at the Keynsham House is “like being part of one big extended family with all your favourite aunts, uncles, granny and grampa’s.”  

And why would she encourage someone to work for Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham as a House Manager? “It has been the most rewarding job I have ever done.”

If you are looking for a new home where you can stay independent within a supportive community, Abbeyfield House, Keynsham could be the place for you! Find out more about the house and available rooms here.