Pushpa Gurung works at Place Court in Heron Wood, a supported residents' housing complex run by First Wessex, as a scheme assistant, where she cleans the accommodation for residents.But when Pushpa is not doing her day job, the mum-of-two spends her free time translating for the elderly Nepalese residents - as well as volunteering at the Citizens' Advice Bureau and reading news bulletins on the community radio station.

 

Pushpa has now been shortlisted as the inspirational colleague of the year in a set of national Housing Heroes awards, run by industry magazine Inside Housing, First Wessex, which put Pushpa forward for the award, said the 42-year-old has become an integral part of the team, for the work she does in breaking down language barriers for the most vulnerable residents.

 

The company says Pushpa translates important letters and documents for them. She also goes along to support meetings with advisors to help interpret the support plan for residents. Pushpa, who moved to the UK five years ago, said: "There are some Nepalese residents whose English is not as good as mine.

"I feel I have a responsibility to help my manager by interpreting. "I understand English, and yet I still find it difficult sometimes, so for people who do not understand English, I can imagine how difficult life would be.

"We have a strong Nepalese community and I do a lot with making sure we are integrated into life in England." Pushpa, who previously worked as a primary school teacher in Pokhara, Nepal, has also played an integral part in enabling First Wessex to understand Nepalese culture.

 

An example of this was when support workers did not know which food to give to an unwell Nepali man.

It was Pushpa who advised the workers on the types of foods he would want and which local shops would stock the goods.

 

The company says she also acts as a translator for her managers and Nepalese colleagues.

Louise Cumberland, head of care and support at First Wessex, said: “Pushpa’s dedication to the community, generous spirit and willingness to help has made an impact on so many of our Nepalese residents and colleagues lives.

 

"She is a real credit to our team and to First Wessex.”

Pushpa, who is up against five other people for the award, will find out on May 11 whether she has won.