I'm a former professional whose worked as a Manager within Supported Housing Services and charities providing supports services to ex-offenders. Clients in Mental Health, Young People, and Sheltered Housing . I've co-facilitated group sessions within the Probation Service regarding men convicted of domestic violence to address their behaviour.

I trained and volunteered as a Restorative Justice group facilitator to bring both offenders and victims of crime together to enable the injured party to bring about some closure to their experience of crime.
I volunteered as a co-trainer of community volunteers who went onto provide support for offenders pre and post release from prison.

Due to the nature of my work I have a current DBS (Data Barring Service) certificate, which allows me to work with vulnerable adults and children. I also have prison security clearance valid until 2020.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've been traveling around the UK working and volunteering through Workaway. Travelled abroad from September 2016 starting in the UK, then onto Malaysia, Thailand and finally New Zealand (North Island) I returned to the UK on 1st May 2017. I’ve worked as a volunteer and paid staff member in a B&B in North Yorkshire. I was badly injured following a road traffic accident in August 2017 and spent a year recovery the major trauma. Much improved and hopefully almost back to normal by August 2019. Currently reside in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

I've been a songwriter for many years and achieved some success doing so. However, financially I've not been able to derive a living from it but the experience has been fulfilling and I still write and record.

I have taken my interests in music and video and written funding bids for projects delivered within the community. These projects were produced by myself using a multi media approach with the participation of members of the community.

Interests

Reading, traveling, songwriting, swimming, cycling, meeting people and living life to the fullest,walking,

Music, Movies, and Books

The most interesting book I've recently read is called the Outsider by Colin Wilson.

My taste in music is almost anything. If I hear something and like it that's it.

I mostly like movies which are up lifting, witty, funny and have some meaning, documentaries and comedy. Irregularly visit cinema or theatre

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelled around the North Island of New Zealand whilst living/camping in an estate car.

Teach, Learn, Share

I don't believe in acquiring knowledge and keeping to myself. Therefore, anything that I've learned I'm more than willing to share with another.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Lots of life experiences, stories and good humour

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

France, New Zealand