Having spent most of her working life in the third sector, Helen has a background in global education, community development and peace building. Recently Helen managed a community centre based in Derry/Londonderry, St Columb’s Park House, developing programmes promoting non-violent activism, participative democracy and compassionate leadership. Previously Helen coordinated the Development Education work of an international NGO, Children in Crossfire, training teachers and youth workers in global justice and active citizenship.
She completed a Master’s degree at University of Edinburgh in Business Studies and Psychology and seven years later completed a Masters in Education for Contemporary Society with the UU. It was through the support of the ‘Women into Public Life’ initiative that Helen secured a Board appointment with the Northern Ireland Fisheries and Harbours Authority where she finishes her term in December 2020. Helen’s voluntary work over the last decade has included chairing a local campaign group to raise awareness of modern-day slavery and as an active committee member of a local community association. In her spare time she loves cold water swimming around the North coast and dabbling in a bit of poetry.
Helen was appointed a Commissioner in August 2020 and reappointed in for a further term in August 2023.