Teaching and youth work

I went to the Brighton College of Education in 1975 to study for an education degree. During my student career as I was elected as the first woman President of my Student Union.

After I qualified as a teacher I taught in schools in Brighton and East Sussex and in Harlington and Luton in Bedfordshire. I taught RE, PSHE, and art.

In 1984 I went into full time youth work because I felt that it can give young people who struggle in school more scope to learn and develop. My first post was at Luton Youth House. After the birth of my children I worked part time for youth services in Stockport and Macclesfield running a youth club and working as a detached youth worker on the streets.

In the early 90′s I moved back to Bedfordshire to take up a post of area youth worker for Bedford, where I managed a number of staff and projects. The project I ran in the Queens Park area of Bedford was recognised as a national example of good practice.