Here we introduce Dave as he takes on a new role as trainer in Generis. After 28 years working on the front line of drug and alcohol support services, Dave Whitehead has joined the training team here at Generis. Working with a variety of organisations from teachers and local authority to businesses and the industrial sector, Dave will share his vast knowledge and experience in the delivery of drug and alcohol awareness training to UK workforces.
Starting out in 1994, Dave joined the health authority in Doncaster within the planning department and enjoyed developing his range of skills across the various departments that included, public health, commissioning and health promotion, where he worked with families to promote healthy lifestyles, oral hygiene, drugs and alcohol awareness and various promotional sporting events. He spent a number of years working within the Drug Action Team where he became responsible for the commissioning of drug services in Doncaster, helping to secure funds and develop services. Prior to this, Dave had worked in Wales, looking to integrate children’s services from 3 localities into one, which included services delivered in Swansea and Port Talbot.
In 2005, Dave left Doncaster to continue his work with young people and families residing in North Yorkshire and East Riding as a residential and edge of care worker, having spent 8 years at the local authority care home environment. He then returned ‘home’ to Doncaster to continue his passion and love of working with families who were struggling with alcohol and/or drug use.
For some of his career, Dave was an IT tutor, working with adults who’d suffered severe head injuries and young people with Down’s Syndrome. Here he developed a new set of skills which transferred into his front line work.