Meet the Lifehost: Hannah Phillips

Lifehosts are an integral part of our communities, bringing our homeowners and rental members together to make the most of independent later living.

For this instalment in our ‘Meet the Lifehost’ series, we speak to Hannah Phillips, Lifehost at our Renaissance Wokingham community.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you came to be a Lifehost?

I was initially hired as a temp at Renaissance Wokingham as I was taking some time to decide what my next career step would be. After 3 days here I realised how varied and delightful the role was so I swiftly applied for the permanent role and thankfully I got it! My background has been hotels in New Zealand, banking, sales, and administration. I'm happy that all my skills can be utilised and that no day is the same here...it keeps me on my toes and I get a lot of exercise!

What is life like at Renaissance Wokingham?

The residents here in Wokingham are such an amazing close knit community. They look after one another including me! I feel like I am part of an extended family. The grounds here are beautiful, as are the apartments.

The events here can be anything from 'showtime' to 'ukulele evening' to 'drinks nibbles' and 'wine tasting'! We have residents with some very interesting backgrounds....illusionists, actors, ex policemen, ship builders, accountants, ex CEOS so it makes for interesting events and conversations.

What does your role entail?

 My role starts at 8.30 and I have to be prepared to deal with anything that comes my way, ensuring the guest suite is ready for visitors, new move ins, dealing with contractors, emergency services, event organising, helping residents with any issues, general administration, problem solving, building checks to ensure we are compliant and much much more.

What are you looking forward to about working here?

So far everyone has been so welcoming from the residents to colleagues at Lifestory and I'm looking forward to getting to know the residents more. I'm also looking forward to learning more about all aspects of the business and the company as a whole. I'm just so happy to be a part of the community!

Do you have any recommendations for Wokingham? Places to eat, drink, visit?

There are many fantastic restaurants and cafes within a 5 minute walk, Chalk, Gails bakery, mumbai, giggling squid! Wokingham is a market town steeped in history, so Rose street is a must see historic street as it dates back to the late medieval period. There are plenty of lovely walks, parks, golf courses, and spas not far away either, Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Dinton pastures country park, California Country park, and nirvana spa to name a few.

What do you think is the best thing about Renaissance Wokingham?

The residents make the community here, they are inclusive, and great to be around. They all share a common goal to ensure the environment around them is beautiful, looked after and that they are all safe and secure.

Renaissance Wokingham is a friendly and sociable community which comprises 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Ideally situated close to the town centre and the local Waitrose, its excellent location offers pedestrian access to the high street, which is full of delightful independent shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés to suit all pockets and palates. Wokingham is designed for independent living, allowing you to enjoy great times with friends, family and neighbours. To find out more, call the team on 01183 150 808 or email [email protected].