Laura Clark

Hi, I’m Laura.

After completing my GCSE’s, I went on to study Business Administration and then Hair and Beauty. I enjoyed both courses and thought one day that I would put them both to good use and be self employed as a beauty therapist or hairdresser. This didn’t happen as my first daughter was born in between studying, this being the best surprise of my life! I was a stay at home Mum for a number of years and then I started working for a day a week within retail. Although i enjoyed this role being customer based and and helping others, I knew I wanted to be more admin based whilst still being able to help others, customers and staff. My second daughter was born, so again I was a stay at home mum for a couple of years and then I had an opportunity to work within HMP Durham. This role was such a brilliant opportunity for me and I loved it. I was in various different areas within the prison, working alongside prison officers. I searched vehicles entering and leaving, escorted inmates to meet with professionals, search of visitors, staff security and manning the cameras and security. I learnt a lot of skills whilst my short time working here, it was here that I realised one day I would like to work with vulnerable people, when the time was right as this was my passion.

I went on working in retail however in an office environment, firstly as a cash office administrator then worked my way up to be cash office manager. This was an interesting role as not only dealing with cash handling and security, I was also there to support staff with any problems they were experiencing. I did various training courses – Health and Safety at work, Robbery and Aggression, Security at work and Cash Handling and Management. I stayed within this role until the retail company closed and moved. Then I was an inventory clerk/assisted viewer for a local estate agency which was great as client faced, meeting new people daily and visiting various villages. When I didn’t have a client to show around their potential new home, I was carrying out inspections on rental properties. Guiding the tenants towards any improvements or health and safety aspects of their home. It was when I was suddenly made redundant from this job, I stopped and re-shuffled myself. Realised that it was now time for my work passion to start as this was what I want to do.

Everything happens for aa reason? Well it did for me-I volunteered as a mentor for Community Peer Mentors and this was the first step I made to help others in such a rewarding way. I was alongside people watching their story from beginning to end and I can’t think of anything more wonderful to see this. Empowerment and a voice for someone if they aren’t heard.  Whilst I was volunteering I was working as Domestic Abuse Practitioner for Harbour. This was challenging yet fulfilling as I knew my help, skills and knowledge was making such a difference to the lives of those I was supporting. I worked within a refuge and also client home based.  I was support at Newcastle Family Court and also Durham Crown Court to with my clients. My feedback received from the IDVA and the OIC gave amazing for myself to receive.

The role for ASB Coordinator was advertised and I took the chance and applied. I joined this wonderful team in April 2024 and it was the best opportunity I have had. I have gained so many new skills and knowledge and successfully achieved so many training courses. I look forward to my future and what it holds for me within the Community Peer Mentors. Each opportunity I have, I feel as it is a way for me to be who I am and to be able to help or support others in any way, that makes me proud of myself and my achievements.S

In my spare time I love spending it with my daughters, family and friends and I love to travel-abroad and in this country. Recently bought a tent so weather appropriate and we will be off!