“Challenges do not discriminate”
Ellen Thomas visited Regenerate recently and spent an evening talking with the girls group from Regenerate’s youth club.
Ellen Thomas is an actress, best known for playing Claudette Hubbard in Eastenders, but she has also been in movies such as Johnny English and Basic Instinct. She was in the hit TV series Teachers, and is currently in the series Mount Pleasant .
Ellen kindly gave up her time to talk to the group about her career and the opportunities that have come her way. Ellen said there were many challenges working in a TV and film career, and that she has had to overcome these challenges by being determined, having belief in her ability and taking ownership of her life. Ellen was honest that at many times it has been difficult to get acting roles – but she had to persevere despite getting rejections at auditions. She was clear there are no short cuts to making a successful acting career, and everyone would have problems throughout their lives. Determination to succeed is needed by everyone.
Ellen gave the girls the opportunities to ask many questions answering them all individually – challenging them to follow their dreams and have high hopes. She encouraged them to stay in school, get some qualifications, get experiences and work that will allow them to get to where they aspire to be. She wanted to share her determination that all young women have a positive role in life.
The purpose of the event was to speak with the girls about growth, taking ownership of your life and to use negativity to drive you on to do well rather than something that will bring you down.
Mustapha, Mentoring Co-ordinator