About Deb

I am a highly experienced, qualified trainer specialising in delivering interpersonal skills training to the not-for-profit sector.

After many years' experience in delivering communication skills training, I started my own business as a freelance trainer and consultant in 2007. Since that time I have provided training and consultancy to many different organisations in the voluntary and public sectors.

In the 1990s I trained at the Metanoia Institute for two years as a person-centred counsellor and practised for several years thereafter with counselling centres in Oxford.

I have worked for Citizens' Advice and Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, and have gained a wide appreciation and understanding of the voluntary sector, for whom I continue to offer tailored courses to meet a range of needs.

My initial interest in helplines started when I joined Samaritans in 1987, and I have been a listening volunteer for over 20 years. I continue my involvement with this organisation as a Postvention Advisor, offering support and guidance to school communities that have experienced the trauma of a suicide or unexplained death.

I have worked with the Helplines Partnership and its predecessor The Helplines Association since 2008, as a freelance trainer and consultant, and continue to deliver their courses to a wide range of audiences across the UK. I am also an external assessor for the Helplines Partnership, working with helplines who wish to obtain accreditation.

Having been involved with helplines for over 20 years, I feel passionate that all helplines should strive to offer the highest levels of service and professionalism to their callers, regardless of the size of the organisation, ensuring that they put their callers at the heart of what they do. The key to this is ensuring that their teams of staff, volunteers and managers are enabled to develop their skills and potential so that they can offer an effective service that their callers expect and deserve.

It is always a privilege to work with people who are highly committed to improving the lives of others, and to be part of their process of development and growth.