Firstly, tell us a little bit about you!
I love working for Changing Lives & feel like it’s been the best move I ever made. I’m someone who believes in being honest and “firm but fair,” and I think people get that from me straight away. I’m friendly by nature and usually build rapport quickly—I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and creating a space where everyone feels comfortable. I care about what I do, I’m reliable, and I like to think people know they can count on me. I’ll also happily admit I’m a bit clumsy, which tends to add a few unplanned comedy moments to the day.
Outside of work, I’m a very proud (and self‑proclaimed favourite) auntie to eight amazing nieces and nephews. I adore them—but not quite enough to want my own. I live with my partner of nine years, and we love heading off in our caravan to explore new places whenever we can. I’m a big music lover, so depending on the day you’ll either find me singing and dancing around or sitting quietly with a good book.
Stepping into this new role feels exciting, and I’m looking forward to bringing the same mix of honesty, approachability, and genuine care as I take on this new challenge.
What first brought you to Changing Lives, and what roles have you held prior to this promotion?
I left my previous job as I was unhappy and felt like I wasn’t making a difference. We all have good days & bad days but it got to the point where there were more bad than good and I was mentally unwell - I realised I needed to find something that was more suited to me. I looked on Indeed and when I saw the role for an Employment Coach, I had to apply.
I started out working in the Northumberland area working on the Get Ahead project. This project was all about supporting people with multiple barriers to employment, living North of Tyne to move into or closer to education, volunteering or employment. During my time on Get Ahead, I supported many people to not only achieve their goals on the project but also overcome challenges and change their lives for the better. I did several activities with participants to support them such as travel training, CV writing, job searching and applications, interview techniques and anything else that would help reduce their barriers.
Once the funding for Get Ahead finished I moved onto a joint project with EDT covering the Gateshead area supporting people who were economically inactive to reduce and overcome their barriers to employment using a holistic approach.
I then moved onto become a Team Leader covering the Tees Valley area on another joint project, however this one had a much larger group of partners! The project aimed to support unemployed people in Tees Valley to move into employment. Within the partnership we had links with CAB & wellbeing services that we could refer into so people weren’t having to go on long waiting lists.
Looking back, what experiences in your key worker and support worker roles have shaped you the most?
I have realised many people just need someone to believe in them and steer them in the right direction through encouragement and motivation. I like to think that the work I have done previously has helped shape me into a better manager, being able to see things from different perspectives & sometimes having to think outside of the box has given me the opportunity to grow & develop my people skills.
I am a different person to who I was when I started with Changing Lives - I am definitely more confident and able to have difficult conversations which I struggled with before.
What does this new role involve, and what are you most excited to take on?
This role is very different to what I have previously done, there is so much to learn! I have never had anything directly to do with our Housing & Homelessness Services so it’s a steep learning curve. I love a challenge and I find that I learn on the job much better than taking a course on something, so I’m excited to learn all about how Dispersed Housing works.
What motivated you to take this step into a different area of support? And how do you think your background in employment services will influence your approach to accommodation services?
To be completely honest, I wasn’t really looking to move into a different area of Changing Lives. My funded contract came to an end & I really didn’t want to leave so knew I had to look at other options outside of the Changing Lives Academy. I was told about this role & when I looked into it I thought it would definitely be something I could get my teeth into & allow me to stay within Changing Lives.
Within the roles I have previously done I have always worked holistically so I think adapting this approach when managing the housing team will serve me well, there’s often more than the obvious that needs to be addressed when supporting people to move on and I hope to support the staff to offer support in this way.
Is there anything you’re particularly passionate about changing or improving within the service?
I am passionate about making Durham Dispersed the best it can be in whatever shape or form that comes in. We do need another member of staff, so that is really important for me to get the right fit for the team.
What keeps you motivated on challenging days?
There’s a song by Sigrid & Bring me the Horizon – Bad Life. This really resonates with me! There’s always going to be something that doesn’t quite work out the way you planned. There’s always going to be that 1 person (or even 3!) that you’ve annoyed or challenged. When times get tough or overwhelming, I think of those people who I know I have made a difference to, those people who are thriving because of that intervention I made or advice I gave.
