Chicquita

From Floating Support Worker to Regional Leader, Chicquita’s journey shows that progression at Single Homeless Project is not only possible – it’s actively supported.

What first brought you to Single Homeless Project?

Working here came down to chance. I was working as a frontline support worker at another organisation when the contract transferred over. It turned out to be one of the best things that could’ve happened, because it’s where my career really started to take shape.

How did your career at Single Homeless Project develop?

I started as a Floating Support Worker, and early on, I was encouraged to step into a Team Leader role alongside my frontline work. That trust made a big difference to my confidence.

While I was in that role, I was also preparing to go on maternity leave. Before I left, I had an open conversation with a senior leader about what might come next in my career. I was encouraged to go for a service manager role when I returned, which meant a lot at that stage of my life.

When I came back from maternity leave, I moved into service management in Lewisham. Later, when a regional role became available, I applied and was successful. Each step felt like a natural progression, supported by managers who believed in me and encouraged me to take the next challenge.

What helped you feel ready to move into a regional role?

Having managers who believed in me. Their confidence gave me the push I needed to go for it.

Single Homeless Project genuinely creates space for internal progression. Where possible, roles are filled from within, and I’ve seen many colleagues move from Project Worker roles into service management and senior positions. If you enjoy learning, taking on responsibility and developing your skills, Single Homeless Project is a place where you can grow.

How did Single Homeless Project support your progression?

I’ve always felt supported here. My managers have encouraged my development, invested in training and mentoring, and given me the freedom to approach challenges creatively.

There’s also a strong culture of trust. You’re encouraged to think about how services can improve and come up with new ways of working. You’re constantly thinking: How can we do things better? How do we grow the team? How do we build systems that work? I think being trusted to innovate really helped me develop not just professionally, but as a leader.

What experience prepared you most for your current role?

Service management gave me a really strong foundation. It taught me how to balance the needs of staff, clients, buildings, systems and risk – all at the same time.

Because I spent several years managing services directly, I understand the pressures managers face. That helps me support them effectively in my regional role and offer the kind of support I know makes a difference.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself along the way?

Learning to ask for help.

When I first became a service manager, I found it hard to do that. I was used to solving problems on my own. But leadership doesn’t work like that – you can’t do everything alone.

Unlearning that took time, but once I did, my work improved. Asking for support isn’t a weakness; it’s essential.

What do you enjoy most about working at Single Homeless Project?

The values. Single Homeless Project genuinely demonstrates them, especially when it comes to caring about people.

This work is emotionally demanding, and if you don’t genuinely care, you’ll burn out quickly. What makes the charity different is that senior leaders really do care – and you can see that in how they show up every day.

I also love my team. People are kind, respectful and supportive, and everyone wants each other to succeed. That makes a huge difference.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Single Homeless Project?

Be yourself and look after yourself.

If you’re joining a frontline role, emotional resilience really matters. But don’t forget your own wellbeing. And don’t box yourself in – this sector isn’t just about frontline roles anymore.

If you’re authentic, curious and willing to learn, Single Homeless Project will recognise that and encourage progression.

What have been some key turning points or milestones in your journey?

One major turning point was working independently in Lewisham without a deputy manager; it forced me to grow. It taught me the importance of communicating how I feel and letting people know when I need help.

Another milestone was realising the impact of good leadership; hearing my managers say they felt supported by me meant a lot. I’m hard on myself, so learning to accept positive feedback was a milestone too.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I just feel fortunate. I’ve had managers in other places who made me dread going to work. But at Single Homeless Project, I’ve always felt supported. That’s rare, and I don’t take it for granted. It’s genuinely a blessing.