Liz O’Hern

Area Coordinator for Darlington and Newton Aycliffe: 

Having worked at Rothmans for 21 years I decided on a career change to help support vulnerable people; I have always been an equality and diversity champion; being described as caring, compassionate with great listening skills; with a non-judgmental approach to all people whatever their circumstances; which essential in building trust when supporting people.

I then spent 14 years with NACRO (National Association of Care and Resettlement of Offenders) supporting 14 - 25 year olds who were vulnerable and at risk of re-offending; this included a 6 year secondment with Darlington Borough Council YOS (Youth Offending Service) delivering training on equality and diversity, health and safety, job coaching, retail and customer service; a high percentage of the young people I supported gained qualifications to work in the construction and other industries. I also had responsibility for delivering a teen parents programme to support them achieve qualifications, gain employment or further education; this was a very challenging but rewarding.

In 2014 I was very keen to help people who were vulnerable and isolated or had chaotic lives so I became involved with Restorative Justice (RJ) gaining a Level 3 Restorative Solutions; I also have qualifications in PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) Mentoring Skills Award, Hidden Disability training and I am now a Qualified Civil/Commercial Mediator.

I was the first Community Peer Mentor Area Coordinator supporting the project move across County Durham being an integral part of the changes and focus of the project as well as taking on the responsibility as a co-facilitator for training our volunteers. 

I have a passion for formula 1 racing; traveling the world supporting this when I can. I also have 3 lovely grandchildren who take up a lot of my free weekends.