Harnessing the Power of Passion

I’m sitting outside a quaint café in Deventer, Netherlands, with a view of St. Lebuïnus church on a cold November evening in 2022, enjoying a coffee. Despite the chill, an outdoor heater and a blanket keep me warm. When I arrived in Deventer a few days earlier, the church tower was hidden by fog, but tonight it’s clear. I’ve spent the last few days exploring Humanitas, a care home. Six students live here for free in exchange for spending time with older residents, fostering joy whilst maintaining safety through shared experiences for mutual benefit.

As I sit there, a stirring within prompts me to wonder if my passion for intergenerational living could take shape in my hometown of Lincoln. Amid the Christmas lights around the church, I spot a beautifully lit swan, a symbol of Lincoln since 1185, linked to St. Hugh and our cathedral on a hill. It feels like a sign—an affirmation that we can make this vision a reality in Lincoln. The fog has lifted, both from the church and my mind. I realise at that moment I need to return home and drive this vision forward.

When I’m home, I quickly realise that although I still have one year remaining to complete my mental health nursing degree, if this vision is to become a reality, I must nurture the motivation that drives me and make a deliberate effort to persevere. I continue to engage with others, sharing my ideas and learning from existing models.

A year later, I began a new job leading the development of a wellbeing hub in Waddington, near Lincoln. I continued my intergenerational living research and found an article inviting applications for the Future Leaders Programme with the Housing LIN. Recognising my limited knowledge of the housing industry and my goal to innovate intergenerational living, I saw this as a chance to enhance my vision and connect with experienced experts for valuable insights and am grateful that Lincolnshire Community Foundation supported my participation in the programme.

My fellow Future Leaders recognised and encouraged my passion early in the programme. These relationships have been enriching, and I look forward to continuing them. Throughout the programme, we had numerous inspirational speakers. Sonia Parol, the design director at later living community developer, Inspired Villages, emphasised the importance of finding a mentor and engaging in coaching to stay motivated. This message resonated with me as I reflected on the invaluable support I received from both a leadership coach and a mentor. Later in the year, at United St Saviour Charity’s superb Appleby Blue Almshouse in London, Laura Wood, founder of Invisible Creations, discussed the significance of intentional, value-driven partnerships in collaboration.

Reflecting on my experiences in the programme, I’ve come to recognise the significance of each component of my vision: passion, perseverance, and intentionality. Each of these elements plays a unique role, and I’m hopeful that harnessing them in combination will lead to success on my passion path.

Cat's blog is one of many by members of the 4th cohort of the Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme that we are excited to publish in the lead up to our 'sell-out' London conference – A Festival of Ideas: Age-Friendly Homes and Connected Community, taking place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. We'll be joined by several of the Future Leaders who will be joining sponsor, Inspired Villages Group, that afternoon to share their sector leadership journeys.