It’s been over 20 years since I started working in the Third Sector and my passion to help other people continues to grow. My first major role within the Third Sector was in 2007 during my time at the Inwards House Project which works with people who require the help of drug and alcohol services in Blackpool. Prior to this, I’d worked as a Team Leader at the Alcohol and Drug Service and completed a Postgraduate Degree from the University of Central Lancaster.

By first volunteering at the Alcohol and Drug Service I saw first-hand the life changing work Third Sector organisations can have on the lives of many people within the local community. This first volunteering role of mine truly helped inspire me to continue to help others throughout my whole career.

Joining N-Compass in 2008 was an amazing opportunity and I have had many highlights during my time here such as leading on the implementation of new services to help even more people in the communities we serve, developing the 24/7 Unpaid Carers Community Network as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, working with the BBC to produce a short film for ‘The One Show’ to highlight self-harm within young people, and importantly working each day to ensure that n-compass is a diverse, friendly and supportive place to work.

As I have gradually continued to develop my own knowledge and understanding of how we can best help others, I have remained conscious that the people we help are always at the forefront of my mind and any decision we may make. Thinking back to the time when I first entered the Third Sector, I could never have imagined that I would be in the position I am right now, but I am excited and privileged to be taking up this new role. I am looking forward to building upon the inspirational work that n-compass has achieved.