At Quo Vadis Trust, supporting someone into a tenancy is only the first step – helping them build the confidence, connections and skills to stay there is just as important. That’s where Lucyna Cierniak comes in. As QVT’s Client Development Manager, Lucyna works alongside our clients to create opportunities for engagement, growth and independence that go far beyond the core housing service. In this Q&A, Lucyna talks us through a typical week in the role, the recent recognition for QVT’s counselling programme, and what she’s most proud of in her time here so far.
About My Role
What does a typical week look like as a Client Development Manager, and what’s the main purpose of your role at QVT?
My role adds another layer of support by creating opportunities for clients to engage. In this sense, client development complements the core housing service; it supports clients to become more engaged and independent.
A typical week involves coordinating activities and events, managing the QVT counselling project, and managing team members and volunteers. I develop partnerships with local organisations, charities and universities. I also develop and monitor new projects, build resources, secure funding and ensure that client development remains aligned with QVT’s wider organisational objectives.
What drew you to this area of work, and to QVT specifically?
Over the years, I expanded my expertise from art therapy into a range of activities. I believe therapies, activities, and social connections can play an important role in recovery, wellbeing and independence.
Maintaining a tenancy requires a wide range of skills, confidence and positive relationships. Clients work on their individual goals, interests and needs in a practical way. This collaborative approach can encourage greater engagement, ownership and independence.
Housing Heroes Award, National Lottery Funding and Implementing PIE
Who nominated you, and specifically what was it for, and what funding have you received?
The QVT counselling programme has run since 2021 and was shortlisted for a Housing Heroes Award in 2026 in the Best Company Health and Wellbeing Initiative category.
QVT has also received a positive decision on a second National Lottery funding application to provide in-house counselling for the next five years. This is a significant achievement and demonstrates the continued development and sustainability of QVT’s health and wellbeing provision.
I am particularly pleased that this work will support the wider Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) agenda. Developing QVT’s business proposal and progressing the collaborative implementation of PIE provides an opportunity to move beyond individual projects and embed psychologically informed practice across QVT. Together, these developments demonstrate how targeted investment, innovation and collaborative working improve outcomes for clients and strengthen services.
How does it feel to be recognised, and what do you think it says about QVT’s wider work?
It is very rewarding to have this work recognised. It also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of client wellbeing within supported housing. Recognition like this shows these projects can be an important part of supporting recovery and maintaining independence.
Looking Back and Ahead
What are you most proud of in all this?
Alongside the National Lottery funding and our progress embedding PIE across QVT, I’m proud of QVT’s LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Pioneer status. This recognition reflects QVT’s ongoing commitment to being an inclusive organisation where LGBTQ+ clients, team and volunteers feel respected, valued and supported.
What’s next, either for this piece of work or for your role?
I would like to further develop the QVT Client Involvement and Empowerment Strategy, focused on organisational goals and measurable client outcomes. My aim is to ensure that successful projects are sustainable, well-resourced and focused where they can have the greatest impact.
Any advice for others thinking about proposing change in their own service?
Be passionate, creative, consistent and resilient.
Change takes time. Stay focused on the purpose behind your idea, listen to feedback and be willing to adapt.
I believe some of the best ideas come from passion and creativity. When you genuinely care about improving something, you are more likely to ask, “What can we do differently?” and find new solutions to existing challenges.
Creativity can spark a great idea, but consistency and resilience turn an idea into meaningful change, help you learn from setbacks, and keep you looking for opportunities to improve.
Lucyna’s approach – passionate, creative and grounded in genuinely listening to what clients need – is a big part of why QVT’s wellbeing work continues to grow. With five more years of National Lottery funding secured for in-house counselling and the Psychologically Informed Environment approach taking root across the organisation, there’s real momentum behind this side of QVT’s work. We’ll be sharing more on the Client Involvement and Empowerment Strategy as it develops – watch this space!