Janet Schofield (Vice Chair)

Janet Schofield is the CEO of Compass Advocacy Network Ltd – a charity working with young people and adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. She has over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, both here and in the North-East of England and has developed and established seven social enterprises. Working with over 450 people mainly in the Causeway Area, CAN is known for innovative practice, offering holistic support opportunities to service users and members though friendship, social/leisure/work/training/advocacy and signposting. As a ‘hands-on’ CEO, Janet has developed and established a number of health and well-being initiatives which are proactive and responsive to the needs of individuals, their families and carers. Most recently Janet secured the licence for delivery of the Josephine & Jack Project in Ireland, promoting positive sexual health and relationships. Janet is an active member of a number of strategic bodies promoting change and sits on a number of groups in relation to Health & Wellbeing policy and strategy. She is a mum of three children at various ages and stages and, up until recently, cared for her father-in-law with Alzheimer's and Dementia so is acutely aware of the importance of education and support. When not at work, she can be found in her garden or on the beach at the North Coast.