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The Baroness Newlove

Baroness Helen Newlove is a Parliamentary Peer, a Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords and the former Victims’ Commissioner. A powerful keynote speaker her talks are about resilience, overcoming hardship, people management, mental health and personal development. Helen's speeches are popular with corporate audiences and organisations who want to be informed and inspired.

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About The Baroness Newlove

Helen’s life fell apart on 12 August 2007.   On that day Helen had to turn her husband’s life support machine off. Garry had been fatally attacked by a gang of teenage yobs on the family doorstep two days earlier. She woke up a wife and went to bed a widow. Helen is living proof that it is possible to survive immense tragedy and emerge even stronger.

 

 

 

Biography

A hugely inspirational figure, real and inspiring are just a few of the words which sum her up. Baroness Newlove also enjoys delivering memorable keynote, motivational and after-dinner speeches.  She exudes old-fashioned northern grit and stylish dynamism. She is a positive inspiration for a generation of older women. Her journey from teenager fryer, working in a Mancunian chip shop, to shy housewife, bereaved widow, campaigner and elevation to the House of Lords is amazing.    “You just need talent, energy and self-belief. All the 50-somethings I know are full of energy, so with the kids flying the nest, it’s a great time to take a risk, switch careers and go for it!”

When Garry Newlove was kicked to death in 2007, Helen Newlove was a shy, happily married housewife. Despite her grief she discovered Garry’s death had made her bolder. Her moving speech on the court steps which followed the conviction of teenage hooligans, catapulted her into the spotlight. She will always be remembered for publicly pleading with parents to take responsibility for their children.

Overnight, Helen found herself in demand from all sections of the media for her forthright views on anti-social behaviour and the savage damage it wreaks. Suffering from deep grief there were days when it was a monumental effort even to get out of bed. At times like this she wept at home but like thousands of women she put on a brave face for the outside world.

Personal tragedy is a natural time to take stock but Helen didn’t give into self-pity.  She was determined to make a difference to how crime victims are treated.  Subsequently Helen was appointed Government Champion for Active, Safer Communities. She was also given a peerage by the then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. David Cameron.

Baroness Helen Newlove became the First Victims Commissioner

Best known for her role as Victims’ Commissioner for England & Wales (2012-2019), Baroness Newlove campaigned tirelessly to champion the cause of crime victims and witnesses. She travelled the country, meeting victims and listening to their stories.

Lobbying high-powered ministers, heads of criminal justice agencies and Chief Constables, she published major reviews. In particular she shone a light on the failings of the criminal justice system. Holding ministers to account, she never wavered in her goal to deliver better treatment for victims.

“As Victims’ Commissioner, I had no legal powers but I had my voice, influence and access to those who do have power.”

A popular contributor to national TV and radio, her appearances include Today, BBC Breakfast, Victoria Derbyshire. Helen appeared on Desert Island Discs in July 2018. She is also a regular reviewer for  ‘The Papers’ on BBC News.

Baroness Helen Newlove feels blessed to enjoy her extraordinary late-blossoming career. Work-wise, she is Pro-Vice Chancellor of Bolton University.  Here she proudly provides vibrant leadership for the university’s rich, diverse education.

Crime victims remain close to her heart and Helen is patron of Resolve, an anti-social abuse charity. She is also President of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Today Baroness Newlove is a respected inspirational and resilient speaker who talks about you pick up the pieces when life suddenly changes for ever.

Known for her warm, approachable nature Baroness Newlove speeches are life enhancing and leave audiences transfixed. Helen’s message is one of courage, determination and hope in the face of adversity.

The author of It Could Happen to You, Helen is a Parliamentary peer and deputy speaker in the House of Lords.

One of Baroness Helen Newlove’s mottos to inspire others is a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.  “Women are like tea bags.   You don’t know how strong they are until in boiling water”.

Speech Topics
  • Personal Development,
  • Resilience Hardship Criminal Justice System,
  • Career Development, Overcoming Hurdles and Hardship,
  • People Management,
  • Mental Health,
  • The House of Lords and Success.
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