Kathryn Hill

On leaving college I found myself working in retail and at a local factory where I was a team leader.  After my children were born I worked at Newcastle College as a PA for a course leader, this role built my confidence as having to go into the community and schools speaking to the public about course recruitment was out of my comfort zone.  Finally at the age of 31 I found what I wanted to do with life which was helping people who were either in times of difficulty or at a stage where they just did not know what to do, this started a 15 year career as a police call handler.   This role was sometimes emotionally challenging especially when dealing with incidents where people were going through the worst most traumatic times of their lives.  I found a passion in helping vulnerable people, sometimes being the only person who would listen to them.

After becoming aware of the invaluable work of the Community Peer Mentors I decided this was a path I wanted to follow.  I wanted to be more involved helping vulnerable people regain their life and empower them to do so.  I have grown up amongst children and adults with varying disabilities including my sister who is severely disabled and has cerebral palsy.  I have a lifelong understanding of disabilities and the vulnerabilities this brings.

Away from work I love to travel and knit but most of all spending time with my family especially my grandson.