Helen Newlove

Helen Baroness Newlove is a leadership and motivational coach, public speaker, Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton and Deputy Speaker for the House of Lords. Her story is one which many dread – in 2007 her husband was sadly murdered and she became a community reformer, highlighting the lack of support not only her family received, but also other bereaved and heartbroken families who have lost loved ones. Determined not to let the death of her husband be in vain, Helen now helps others and now is hired as a speaker who specialises in hardship, resilience, self-development and people management.

Born in Lancashire, Helen met her late husband, Garry Newlove, when she was 20 years old. They would later marry, have three children, and then her husband would be taken from her by three youths in a brutal attack. Determined to make her late husband proud – in 2008 she set up Newlove Warrington, a charity which aims to make towns safer places for people to live by improving facilities and opportunities for youths growing up through education. She campaigned to raise awareness for the lack of support received by families who have lost loved ones in a similar situation; this campaign eventually expanded nationally. In 2010 she was given a peerage in the Dissolution Honours list – on which she said “I am just an ordinary woman, propelled into high profile by a set of horrifying circumstances which I wish with all my heart had never occurred’.

In 2012 she was appointed as the Victims Commissioner by the UK government and served the maximum period permitted before stepping down in 2019. In 2014 she then produced a major report setting out priorities to help people make a difference in their neighbourhood and she was Champion for Active Safer Communities. In recognition of her activism on tackling the UK binge drinking culture, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of from the University of Bolton in Law, and an honorary degree as a Doctor Civil Law, Criminal Justice from Northumbria University. In 2021 2021 she took up the office of Deputy Speaker at the House of Lords and was announced as: The Right Honourable Baroness Newlove of Warrington.

As well as her notable career within the UK government and as a reformer, in 2013 Helen released a book: ‘It Could Happen to You: The Inspirational Story of the Crime Victim Who Became the People’s Crusader’, in which, she shares her heart-breaking story. Now, Helen is determined to help others in need, giving talks on hardship and resilience to ensure they know how to manage their emotions. If you are in need of a speaker who has faced adversity head on, who is also skilled in coaching, self-development and leadership, look no further than Helen Newlove to hire at your next event.

In February 2023 we sat down virtually with Baroness Helen Newlove and discussed the root cause of antisocial behaviour and what organisations can do to support young people. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Baroness Helen Newlove.