Creating a space to thrive: a garden transformation in Southampton

Tuesday 22nd of July 2025

A garden in Bitterne, Southampton, has been given a new lease of life thanks to one of our support workers and her drive to improve the lives of people we support.

Kirstie Burgess was named Employee of the Month in May for her dedication and creativity. Our award also recognises the positive impact she continues to make within our supported living services.

Kirstie was particularly praised for her work sprucing up the garden at the main house where she works in Bitterne.

Accessible and engaging space

Kirstie led the transformation of the garden, creating a welcoming, accessible, and engaging space for the people we support.

This includes installing a swimming pool and setting up solar lighting. She also introduced a range of outdoor activities, such as badminton and swingball.

These additions have contributed to a more vibrant and inclusive environment, where people can enjoy their free time and develop new interests.

Proactive and compassionate approach

Kirstie’s colleagues praised her proactive and compassionate approach:

“Kirstie has also spent a good time of her shift being productive, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere,” said teammate Dannii.

“Kirstie has played an important part of our team for a while. She helps out across all three of our houses, even though she mainly only works at two. She will go above and beyond taking individuals to their day services and social activities.”

Her manager, Raphael Knoops, also recognised her professionalism and resilience:

“Kirstie has worked in all houses to cover shifts, has set up a new pool in the garden, badminton net and rackets and a shuttle ball. [She has] worked very hard to maintain a good quality of work,” said Raphael.

Rewarding work in social care

Kirstie has worked in the care sector for four years. She joined Autism Hampshire, part of Avenues Group, two years ago. She previously worked in domiciliary care and was inspired to pursue a career in support work after caring for her grandmother, who had Alzheimer’s.

“I find working in care rewarding as I can see the change I can make to someone’s life just by being there for someone,” said Kirstie. “A listening ear can make someone feel heard and that they matter.”

Congratulations, Kirstie – and thank you for everything you do.

 

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