Senior Housing Support Office Wasana shares her journey over the decades working for ExtraCare and how her sense of belonging and confidence grew.
Senior Housing Support Office Wasana shares her journey over the decades working for ExtraCare and how her sense of belonging and confidence grew.
Wasana
Lovat Fields
Looking back over my 19 years with ExtraCare, I can honestly say that my sense of belonging has grown stronger with every role I’ve taken on.
Every manager I’ve worked with has recognised my skills and given me opportunities to develop and progress.
That investment has made me feel valued and has reinforced that I belong, not just within my village but as part of the wider ExtraCare charity.
My journey with ExtraCare began in 2007. I moved to the UK to join my husband, who was already here completing his master’s degree. I am a graduate of the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, where I specialised in foreign languages. After graduation, I worked as a Japanese language teacher for six years.
Moving to England with my one-year-old child was one of the biggest challenges of my life. Starting over in a new country, learning to speak English confidently, and adapting to a completely different culture was not easy.
I applied to Lovat Fields Village as a Relief Housekeeper. Within a few months, my line manager and location manager offered me a 25-hour contract, which made me incredibly happy and grateful. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in many different roles within the village, always supported by wonderful managers and colleagues.
Over the years, I have worked as a Senior Housekeeper, Housing Support Assistant, Village Administrator, Care Support Worker, Step Team Leader for Care, Interim Care Coordinator for six months, and I am currently working as a Senior Housing Support Officer. Each role has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Wasana won a Liz Taylor Award for her work in 2025.
I feel like I’m part of a community where everyone genuinely cares about one another and works towards the same purpose. It’s more than just having a job—it’s knowing that what I do have a positive impact on residents’ lives every day.
I feel like I’m part of something bigger. While I experience that most directly within my village, that sense of purpose extends across the wider charity. Knowing that ExtraCare is committed to helping older people live well and independently makes me feel connected to a much larger mission than just my own role.
The support I receive from colleagues and managers in the village reflects the culture of the wider organisation. Whether it’s sharing ideas, helping each other through busy periods, or celebrating successes together, there’s a strong sense that everyone is working towards the same goal.
The feeling of belonging developed over time for me, looking back over my 19 years with ExtraCare, I can honestly say that my sense of belonging has grown stronger with every role I’ve taken on.
Every manager I’ve worked with has recognised my skills and given me opportunities to develop and progress. They’ve trusted me with new responsibilities, encouraged my growth, and supported me throughout my career. That investment has made me feel valued and has reinforced that I belong, not just within my village but as part of the wider ExtraCare charity.
Wasana and her team at the staff awards.
I am grateful to all my colleagues, residents, and managers I have worked with over the past 19 years, especially Adam Mole, my current Location Manager, for his continuous support and confidence in my skills and strengths. His encouragement has given me even more motivation to continue providing my best.
Alongside my job I am a proud mother of two boys. One attends Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School, and my eldest is a graduate of the University of Manchester. He has also volunteered with ExtraCare, and his first job was as a hospitality assistant in our bistro and restaurant, which makes me especially proud.
Lovat Fields is my second home. The community here has given me so much, and I am truly grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities I have received over the past decades.
Other Stories