Experience

Start360 (formerly Opportunity Youth)

• Service Manager

  • Apr 2011 - Present

  I currently work at Start360 (formerly Opportunity Youth) managing therapeutic services for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse and mental health issues. Our work is across all of Northern Ireland and is primarily funded by Public Health Agency and Big Lottery as well as individual Health Trusts. We deliver a range of therapeutic interventions, including keywork, counselling, family support, systemic family work, therapeutic play work and therapeutic group work. I currently work at Start360 (formerly Opportunity Youth) managing therapeutic services for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse and mental health issues. Our work is across all of Northern Ireland and is primarily funded by Public Health Agency and Big Lottery as well as individual Health Trusts. We deliver a range of therapeutic interventions, including keywork, counselling, family support, systemic family work, therapeutic play work and therapeutic group work.



The Rural College Draperstown

• Education and Training Manager

  • May 2008 - Mar 2011

  I was responsible for developing and delivering community development type training to members of the community and voluntary sector across NI, as well as commissioned consultancy work for a range of agencies. I also briefly managed the conference centre as part of the College. The Rural College went into administration in March 2011 and I was made redundant. I was responsible for developing and delivering community development type training to members of the community and voluntary sector across NI, as well as commissioned consultancy work for a range of agencies. I also briefly managed the conference centre as part of the College. The Rural College went into administration in March 2011 and I was made redundant.



South London Connexions

• Connexions Manager

  • Jun 2001 - May 2008

  I was one of the first Connexions Managers in England following the launch of the new government strategy to address the barriers that young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) faced. I commissioned and monitored a range of services across both the statutory and voluntary sector for the South London Connexions Partnership. I was responsible for the Merton area. We delivered targeted support for young people with complex needs who had difficulty progressing in mainstream education. We recruited a network of Personal Advisers who were placed in a range of young people services, including schools and FE. The Connexions Partnerships have mostly been disbanded now and all integrated youth support services are within the local authorities. Show less



St. Christophers Fellowship

• United Kingdom
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Services Manager

  • Apr 1998 - Apr 2001

  I developed and managed supported housing services for a children's charity across London. I developed and managed supported housing services for a children's charity across London.



Eaves Housing for Women

• United Kingdom
• Hospitality

• Housing Manager and Team Leader

  • May 1988 - Jan 1998

  I worked in a women's housing organisation supporting single homeless women aged 16-60. I had different roles throughout the 10 years there and gained a lot of experience during this time, both personally and professionally. I worked in a women's housing organisation supporting single homeless women aged 16-60. I had different roles throughout the 10 years there and gained a lot of experience during this time, both personally and professionally.



Intake Hostels Ltd

• Residential worker

  • Mar 1985 - Jan 1988

  My first job post qualifying. Worked in a hostel for young homeless people aged 17- 25. An amazing first job and in a very challenging environment! Some of the young people I worked with then are forever in my memory. My first job post qualifying. Worked in a hostel for young homeless people aged 17- 25. An amazing first job and in a very challenging environment! Some of the young people I worked with then are forever in my memory.