Where are you from?

I live in Stakeford, Northumberland.

What is your role at Diversity NE?

Employment Adviser.

What is your career background?

I worked in land survey on various opencast mining sites for 15 years until privatisation of the industry. I then worked for North East Ambulance Service for 9 years before moving to Azure Supported Living Services.

I have just joined the Diversity NE team having worked for Azure Support Services for 16 years

Can you share a career highlight?

Starting with Azure, having never worked in the care sector before, and getting to work closely with individuals in their own homes to improve their life skills. Gaining experience progressing through to a management level, completing all relevant training for the role while continuing to work closely with the clients we support in a person centred way.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding thing for me is supporting individuals to achieve their goals, and helping them to live the life they choose as independently as possible.

Why did you want to be involved with Diversity NE? 

From working in my previous role with Azure Supported Living I have witnessed first-hand the positive benefits gainful employment can bring to an individual around feelings of self-worth and inclusion.

My hope is that I can play a part in achieving this for as many people as possible within Diversity NE.

Click here to contact Gary by email