Riding around on a decorated scooter and making paper lanterns is nothing new for Sam Wilkinson.

In fact, it is all part of the job for Sam, who is a project support worker for the Ewanrigg Local Trust.

In some ways the job would equate to an office manager – but working for an organisation like the ELT means all the rule books are thrown out the window and she does what needs to be done at any time.

The Ewanrigg Local Trust has been tasked with spending £1million over 10 years to improve the health and raise the aspiration and living standards on an estate that has been classed as one of the most deprived in the country.

This job means all the officers become involved in many things not “normal” in a more conventional office. While the task may be daunting, those involved tackle whatever is put in front of them which has included organising everything from health campaigns to pantomimes.

Despite the deprivation in the area, the ELT operates out of the Ewanrigg and Netherton Community Centre, one of the most cheerful and positive places in the town and the spirit is infectious – created both by the ELT and the Ewanrigg and Netherton Tenant’s and Residents’ Association (Entra).

With her varied tasks and this atmosphere, it is not surprising Sam says “I love coming to work. I don’t know what I will be doing but I know I will enjoy it”.

Where are you from? I am from Crewe in Cheshire originally.

Where do you live now? I live in Cockermouth.

How long have you been doing this job? I have been doing this for 18 months.

Take us through a typical day: There is really no such thing. Generally, though, my first job of the day is to check the answerphone for messages, emails, Facebook messages and Twitter – all with a with a hot cuppa, of course! Communicating with residents and partners we work with is really important to us.

The role is so varied. At any one time I could be dealing with finances and arranging live shows at the centre.

Part of my job is organising the many trips we do, giving families the chance to see and do things that might otherwise not be available to them. We have done several outings to places of interest or to live shows. We recently went to Kinky Boots for instance.

The ELT has a Community Piggy Bank, offering financial help to people starting up businesses or projects that will benefit the people of Ewanrigg. I liaise with other colleagues over applications. That has been very worthwhile and it is so rewarding to see people getting ahead and being able to offer services locally.

An important part of the job is listening to residents over things that matter to them on Ewanrigg. Right from the beginning, before I ever started work here, the ELT has tried to make sure that the community is involved in all our decisions. The lantern parade started that way – we wanted to make a spectacle and a noise to ensure people on the estate knew we existed and how to access us. Now it has become an event in itself and helping with lantern-making workshops is just another fun part of my job.

What do you like best about your job? The best thing about the job for me is the people of Maryport. You know exactly where you stand with anyone you meet. The next best thing are the views from up here on the estate... how awesome to see across the sea to Scotland!

What do you like least? I least like how people from outside Maryport really have a ‘downer’ on the town. It gets on my nerves. They need to come and see for themselves how lovely the place is – and how friendly.

Why did you want to do this job? I wanted to do this job as it feels like a jumble sale of all my previous jobs since leaving school 30 something years ago.

What previous jobs have you done? Previous jobs have included working for a luxury car maker; stacking shelves; three attempts to settle in the NHS; a short spell for a local authority; and 21 fabulous years in the voluntary, community and faith sector including the Alzheimer’s Society, Carers Trust, Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Association.

What qualifications and experience do you need for this job? I never went to college or university, I decided to try a two-year Youth Training Scheme after school where I gained a clerical apprenticeship and a BTEC in Business Studies. I can honestly say that the admin skills that I gained in those two years have been the foundation of every job since, no matter what sector I have worked in. Computers were only just being taught in the 80s so I have attended several courses since to make sure my IT skills are up to date.

I also think listening skills are really important when you work in a support role. It could be listening to your colleagues and/or volunteers to make sure you are all heading in the same direction with the task you are there to do; listening to residents of all ages who may be feeling lonely or isolated or frustrated at the lack of opportunities around to just capturing those informal comments when something has gone really well.

What is a typical salary? It is around £19k to £22k.

Any advice for people wanting to get into this profession? All experience is relevant to an office support role as you are invariably dealing with people inside your organisation and outside, so being tactful, firm and fair come in very handy. Think about transferable skills you may have eg, working in retail or hospitality where customer services are so relevant.