Our Project Lead at Erimus House Eleanor spoke to us about what her new role looks like...
Tell us a bit about you - your hobbies and interests etc!
I have a strong interest in languages, particularly Arabic. While I'm not yet a fluent reader, I enjoy the challenge and have developed a passion for Arabic calligraphy. Family is very important to me, and I take great pleasure in cooking and hosting, especially when it comes to preparing desserts and spending quality time catching up with loved ones.
How long have you worked at Changing Lives, and what roles have you had in your time? Tell us a bit more about your roles.
Professionally, I have dedicated my career to supporting vulnerable young people, advocating for their needs both locally and nationally. I have over 20 years of experience in homelessness services and transitioned to Changing Lives in 2021 through TUPE, taking on the role of Senior Support Worker at Erimus House, I have flourished in my time changing lives and value the opportunities that have been given to me.
What does your new role entail?
As a proud Middlesbrough native, the name "Erimus"—Latin for "We Shall Be" and the town’s motto—resonates deeply with me. It symbolizes growth, resilience, and the positive impact we strive to achieve through the Erimus service.
An opportunity for project lead came up and I thought I would like to apply. My youngest child has just recently left school and is due to go to college so I will have more time to pursue my career and grow professionally.
How does your role differ from your former role now you hold more responsibility?
As I continued to settle into my role as Project Lead, there have certainly been moments where I’ve questioned whether I’ve taken on too much. However, the support from my colleagues has been incredible, and I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. Shoutout to Shannon, my Senior Support Worker who has been nothing short of a blessing.
This role has been a significant learning experience, requiring me to navigate new challenges and responsibilities. I was fortunate to have had a strong mentor in our previous Project Lead, Gena, who provided invaluable guidance in a short period and helped lay the foundation for my transition.
How do you feel you had to develop professionally (and personally) in order to secure your new role?
With this position comes a heightened responsibility—not only to the young people we support, but also to ensure our service remains compliant with stakeholder expectations, internal frameworks, and OFSTED requirements. Balancing these demands has been intense, and time often feels limited.
Despite the challenges, this journey has been humbling. I’m committed to my professional development and recognize that I’m still adapting. There is much more to learn, and I remain open and eager to grow in this role.
I’m proud of the progress made so far and look forward to continuing to build on a service that makes a meaningful difference.
