Rooted in Resilience
In housing today, resilience isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
With legislation tightening, regulation intensifying, and expectations and pressures mounting across every corner of the sector, housing professionals are navigating one of the most demanding periods in recent history. Yet in the face of challenge, we continue to show something extraordinary, courage, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the people and communities we serve.
That spirit is at the heart of Julie Haydon’s presidential campaign: Rooted in Resilience.
Because no matter where you are in your career, protecting your mindset and strengthening your resilience isn’t just important, it’s vital. Not only for ourselves, but for our tenants, our teams, and the future of our sector.
Over the next year, Rooted in Resilience will explore how we can protect our wellbeing, unlock our potential, and continue to thrive – not just endure – in a sector defined by constant change.
Building on the powerful legacy of the Shine a Light mental health campaign, Julie’s mission is to champion the tools, behaviours and support systems that help housing professionals stay strong, stay focused, and stay hopeful.
What does the campaign mean?
The campaign’s name, "ROOTED" reflects the qualities that keep us grounded, connected and strong, no matter what the sector throws at us. Each letter represents a pillar of resilience that housing professionals live and breathe every day:
- R – Resilience at the core of who we are
Because in housing, challenges aren't occassional, they're constant. Resilience isn't just a trait, it's our foundation. - O – Openness to evolve as the world changes around us
Regulation shifts. Legislation advances. Expectations rise. We adapt – not reluctantly, but proactively. - O – Opportunities found in every challenge
Whether faced with crisis or complexity, we don’t just respond – we innovate, improve, and push forward. - T – Thrive - refusing to settle for survival mode
This campaign is not about simply getting by. It’s about growing stronger, even in uncertainty. - E – Education to build the skills, confidence, and competence to lead
True resilience comes from knowledge and the confidence to use it. - D – Development in ourselves so we can uplift others
Because when we grow, our teams, our organisations and our communities grow with us.
“ROOTED in resilience. Growing to thrive.”
Looking after our mental wellbeing shouldn’t be seen as a luxury – it’s something we all deserve, both as people and as professionals. When we feel supported, we don’t just cope, we flourish, and so do the communities we serve.
The Rooted in Resilience campaign is about nurturing that strength from the inside out. It’s not just about getting through the hard days, it’s about helping housing professionals feel grounded, confident, and able to truly thrive.
Together, we can grow healthier workplace cultures. Places where kindness is leadership, support is normal, and no one has to pretend they’re okay when they’re not. By building on the brilliant Shine a Light resources, we’ll turn tools into habits, and habits into a more compassionate, connected sector.
A growth mindset isn’t just a concept – it’s a way of looking at ourselves with kindness and possibility. Instead of seeing obstacles as blocks in the road, it allows us to view them as chances to learn, adapt and improve. It reminds us that none of us are “finished products” and that skills, confidence and resilience can be built over time, with support, feedback and persistence.
In housing, we face complexity, trauma and constant change. It’s emotionally demanding work. A growth mindset helps us stay curious rather than overwhelmed. It gives us the space to ask, “What can I learn from this?” rather than “Why is this happening to me?”
Throughout the presidential campaign, Julie will be inviting individuals and organisations to explore what could change if we embraced this mindset more intentionally; not just in training sessions or workshops, but in how we respond to mistakes, how we support each other, and how we grow together.
The Rooted in Resilience campaign is about helping housing professionals move from simply “getting through” to feeling energised, supported and connected in their work. It will provide practical tools and real-life inspiration to embed a growth mindset into personal development, team culture and leadership, so we can better serve our communities while looking after one another along the way.
Whether you're just choosing housing as your career or if you have been serving communities for decades, Rooted in Resilience will strike a chord.
The campaign is about building confidence and inclusivity across the sector, making sure every housing professional, at every stage, feels valued, supported and able to grow.
Throughout the year, Julie will encourage us all to reflect on how we can draw strength from within, and from one another. That means making space for personal resilience, peer support, professional development and sector-wide networks that lift us up when times are tough.
Supporting a thriving sector isn’t just about today, it’s about tomorrow too. By working with CIH Futures, Rooted in Resilience will shine a light on the importance of intergenerational connection, ensuring the next wave of housing professionals have not only the skills, but also the mental resilience to stay and succeed in this sector. Mentoring will play a key role, reminding us that wisdom shared is resilience multiplied.
At its core, a growth mindset is about embracing learning over perfection. It’s about creating workplaces where people feel safe to stretch, experiment and evolve – without fear of getting it wrong. That kind of culture starts with individuals… but it’s sustained by leaders, teams and organisations who believe in people’s potential, wherever they are on their career journey.
Get involved
Join us as we collectively build resilience in housing.
Discover how we can create positive cultures, embedded with mental resilience, to build a more compassionate, confident, and connected sector.
Supporting mental health charities across the UK
Julie has also chosen to raise money charities across the UK dedicated to ensuring no one goes through mental ill health alone. Their collective work helps millions of people get the support and information they need, when they need it.
Julie has created Just Giving fundraising pages for Mind (registered charity in England and Wales) SAMH (registered charity in Scotland) and Inspire (Registered charity in Ireland).
