I have worked for CALC for over 5 years now having started as a volunteer. Prior to this I worked in a firm of Solicitors for over 11 years. Whilst working full time I studied law for 9 years through the Open University and finally graduated with my law degree in 2017. I then began my time in CALC as a volunteer and was subsequently offered a trainee position before becoming a qualified Adviser. I am now also trained in tribunal representation, and I have also carried out various outreach sessions in the community. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of this work; because rules and regulations constantly evolve, and it is essential that we continually keep up to date with changes with training, self-study and courses. I thrive when advocating on behalf of clients on challenging cases, and I am therefore delighted to work for Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh who make such a difference to our local community in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area.
I am a generalist adviser with Community Advice Lisburn and Castlereagh. I have recently completed my training for my OCN level 3 in generalist advice through the Law Centre. I previously worked as a trained youth worker doing outreach and in youth centres, but decided it wasn't for me and went on to work in retail.
I have family working in community advice and they suggested I volunteer to see if I like it and instantly had an interest in it. I loved the training and I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge and having a long-term career in the advice sector.
After completing HNC in working with children and families. I worked in various roles in the community, including, Community Care, Family Centers and Creches. After seeing an advertisement for a trainee post in Community Advice Lisburn & Castlereagh I decided to embark on a change of career.
Working as a trainee generalist adviser with Community Advice Lisburn and Castlereagh is completely different to anything I have done before.
I enjoy the challenge and being able to give back to the community in a new way. I look forward to completing my training and gaining the experience in the advice sector.
I have worked in the voluntary sector for almost fifteen years. My journey started as a volunteer for Home-Start in 2008. In the same year I became a Generalist Advisor with Andersonstown & Suffolk Citizens Advice Bureau. This led to a role on a helpline providing support to those affected by domestic and sexual abuse. Later my role evolved with Nexus, I became the helpline Outreach and Awareness Coordinator. This included training and mentoring helpline volunteers.
My journey has come full circle, now providing generalist advice for Lisburn and Castlereagh Community Advice .
I have a keen interest in social justice, an avid reader and dog lover. I enjoy spending my weekends with my family, normally visiting all the wonderful attractions that Northern Ireland has to offer…and Donegal!
I am a full time law student with Ulster University. I recently started volunteering with Community Advice Lisburn and Castlereagh to further my studies and support the local community. My time as a volunteer with a solicitors and the children's law center led to my interest in helping people understand their rights. I work in hospitality and in my spare time enjoy reading and playing hockey. I have not been with CALC long but am really enjoying expanding my knowledge with an amazing team of staff and look forward to continuing to gain the knowledge and skill to fulfill the role of adviser.
In my early career I worked in the voluntary & charity sector providing help and support to homeless adults. I have also worked with young people, assisting them and teaching them the skills required to live independent lives. I have found it very rewarding advocating on behalf of people. I have worked with the insolvency & debt repayment sector. I am happy to be given an opportunity to train as a debt adviser with Community Advice Lisburn and Castlereagh. I look forward to completing the training and having a fulfilling career in debt advice with a charity organisation.