How long have you been CEO?
I have been CEO for about 5 years and Registered manager for 3 years before that.
What did you do prior to joining Hebron House?
I have worked in the third sector for nearly 20 years including working in prisons, working with people with severe mental health illness and working with tenants in crisis.
Prior to this I travelled extensively, working in the corporate hospitality industry attending all the major sporting events.
What is the hardest part of your role?
When I see addiction win, which thankfully is rarely.
What is the best bit of your job?
See a woman transform and leave Hebron shining!
What is the most surprising thing you have learnt about addiction?
The physical effects of craving and how powerful that is.
What would you say to families who can see a loved one is struggling with addiction?
Be there for them and ask for help from AL – Anon
What would you say to someone who is struggling with addiction?
Reach out for help and realise that radical change needs to happen. Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result!
Why do you think the rehabilitation programme Hebron offers is so successful?
Because it is holistic and we go the extra mile for all our women. Love is very present at Hebron.
Why are rehab centres like Hebron so important?
For some people rehab will be the only way and many women need an all female environment in order to process years of trauma and abuse.
What do you think is the most important part of the rehab journey?
Surrendering and realising you are powerless – Step 1!
If you could ask the Prime Minister for one thing which would make your role and the role of rehab centres easier what would that be?
To centralise the funding of rehabs and stop the expensive and onerous tender system in place now.
Finally, if you only had three words to describe Hebron House and the work it does what would they be?
Nurturing, supportive, tough love!
