When Liz Newlove joined Generis, she wasn’t just stepping into a new role - she was stepping into an entirely new perspective.

Now ten weeks into her position as Lead Development Trainer, Liz brings with her a rich background in education. Having previously worked as an ESOL tutor and before that as a primary school teacher, her career has been rooted in helping people learn, grow, and build confidence. But this move is a clear shift - from the classroom to a much broader, learning environment.

“I wanted a change of direction,” Liz explains. “Moving into adult learning opened new doors, and this role has taken that even further. It’s not just about delivering training - it’s about shaping it.”

At Generis, Liz now oversees the development and delivery of training programmes, manages trainers, and leads on expanding online e-learning. It’s a role that blends strategy with hands-on delivery - and one that’s already proving both challenging and rewarding.

“What has stood out most since joining ADS is the sheer scale of the charity - and the depth of the work it delivers. Alongside that, the scale of the issues we’re responding to.”

Through her work, Liz has been introduced to subject areas that are as fascinating as they are urgent - from drug and alcohol awareness to emerging trends such as steroid use. “There’s so much I didn’t know,” she reflects. “The range of substances, how quickly things evolve, and how significant the challenges are nationally.” All important messages to share and raise awareness of through Generis’ training programmes.

Liz enjoyed learning about Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) with Paul Martindale at The Alcohol and Drug Service. Figures suggest there are around one million drug IPED users in the UK - a statistic that underlines the importance of education, prevention, and support. Liz points to BBC resources such as the Drugs Map of Great Britain an eye-opening series that highlights just how widespread and varied substance use can be.

Despite the complexity of the subject matter, it’s the people and programmes that have made the biggest impression.

“I’ve loved learning about the peer mentor programmes,” Liz says. “There’s something incredibly powerful about people using their lived experience to support others. It brings a different level of understanding and connection.”

For Liz, the move has also meant a welcome shift away from the rigid structure of traditional teaching timetables, towards a more dynamic and developmental role.

“I enjoy being more involved in shaping what we deliver,” she explains. “It’s not just about being in front of a class - it’s about creating meaningful, relevant training that can make a real difference.”

As Generis continues to grow, Liz’s experience and fresh perspective will play an important role in developing training that responds to an ever-changing landscape - ensuring individuals, organisations, and communities are better informed, better supported, and better equipped.

And ten weeks in, one thing is already clear: this change of direction is making an impact.