Tenika

Starting on line cover and progressing to Service Manager in just two years, Tenika’s story shows what’s possible when passion for supporting people meets a workplace that supports learning and growth.

What first motivated you to join Single Homeless Project?

I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference wherever I can. Seeing the impact this kind of work has on people’s lives made me realise how much more I wanted to give.

Moving to London felt like the right time for a fresh start. The scale of homelessness here is very different from where I’m from, and I wanted to understand what working in the capital would really be like.

When I joined Single Homeless Project, it was my first time working outside my local area and my first experience of being part of a larger organisation. At the time, the service didn’t yet have a permanent manager, but what stood out immediately was the wider support around us.

Managers and colleagues stepped in to make sure we were never left on our own. That sense of teamwork and shared responsibility made me feel welcomed and supported from the very beginning and confirmed that this was the right place for me.

How would you describe your career journey since joining Single Homeless Project?

My journey reflects how I approach my work. Whenever I see opportunities to learn and grow, I take them.

I didn’t come in with the mindset of prioritising progression straight away. I focused on key working and supporting young people. But Single Homeless Project provides so many learning opportunities that I quickly found a balance between my role and my development.

I’ve always believed that growth comes from curiosity. If you want to progress, you have to be willing to explore beyond your job description. That mindset helped me move from line cover to a permanent worker role, then into a Senior Project Worker role.

A real turning point came when I supported the Greenwich service during a serious incident. I was moving between services, helping to stabilise things while still managing my own caseload. That experience showed me I was capable of more, and with encouragement from my manager at the time, I applied for deputy manager and got the role.

When the service manager position became available later on, it felt like a natural next step. I’d already been taking on responsibilities because I wanted to learn, and I’m grateful every day that I took that opportunity.

How did your early experience as a line worker prepare you for leadership?

Those early experiences taught me a lot very quickly.

The service was still finding its feet, and I was trusted with responsibility early on – always with support available when I needed it. I learned how to organise myself, make decisions and engage confidently with young people.

I also learned when to use my own initiative and when to ask for a second opinion. Sometimes there isn’t an immediate solution, and that’s OK. Learning to sit with uncertainty, while still offering stability to young people, built my resilience and shaped how I now support my own team.

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

The growth – both in the organisation and in the young people we support.

Attending the staff away day really brought that home for me. Seeing how far Single Homeless Project has come as an organisation, alongside the individual journeys of young people, is incredibly motivating.

Watching someone arrive in crisis and leave feeling independent, hopeful and ready for their next step – that’s why I do this job.

Watching someone arrive in crisis and leave feeling independent, hopeful and ready for their next step – that’s why I do this job.

One moment that really stayed with me was when a young person asked why I chose this career. I told her it was because I want to make a positive impact wherever I can. She said she wished there were more people like me, and it melted my heart. It reminded me that even small acts of care can mean everything.

I also really value how welcoming Single Homeless Project is. People come from all backgrounds and experiences, and everyone brings something valuable. That creates a supportive, inclusive environment.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining us?

Take every opportunity to learn. Be inquisitive.

Don’t limit yourself to only what you’re paid to do – skill-building often happens in the gaps. Focus on your own development and try not to get caught up in workplace noise or negativity.

Ask for help when you need it. Stay compassionate. And be honest with yourself – if you’re here purely for the money, this isn’t the right line of work.

When your heart is in the right place, progression comes naturally.

What challenges have you experienced transitioning into new roles?

One challenge is stepping into a role where you’re suddenly managing people you used to work alongside. Relationships can shift, and not everyone finds that easy.

The key is to maintain professional boundaries and stay focused on why you’re there – to make a difference. Holding onto that purpose helps you navigate any discomfort that comes with stepping up.

What have you learned about yourself along the way?

I’ve learned that I like structure, clear processes and doing things properly – my team jokes that I should’ve been in the military!

I also care deeply about details, which sometimes means I take on too much. I’m learning to delegate more, trust my team and give people the space to learn rather than stepping in straight away.

Overall, I’ve learned to be more adaptable. Change happens constantly at Single Homeless Project, and I’ve grown in my ability to adjust while still holding onto high standards.

What key moments or milestones stand out in your journey?

One big milestone is my progression itself. In just two years, I’ve moved from line cover to permanent worker, to Senior Project Worker, to Deputy, and now Service Manager. I’ve gone full steam ahead because I know my work ethic and my values, and I wanted to give everything I could.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. It’s a reminder that when you have a clear vision and you back yourself, amazing things can happen.