Keith has more than 40 years’ experience working in the field of mental health. He started his career as a welfare officer for the Central Office of Information, and it was during this time that he got his professional qualifications as a counsellor.
A member of the welfare development group that developed the training for counsellors in the Civil Service, Keith went on to do freelance counselling for a music group and a sixth form college before taking a year out, during which time he volunteered for a Riding for the Disabled group in Chingford and worked in a betting shop.
Returning to workplace counselling with the Metropolitan Police, where he worked for 15 years, Keith provided one-to one counselling, became qualified in trauma debriefing and was also involved in specialist services for firearms officers, undercover officers, and child protection teams. In addition, Keith also worked with teams on major incidents, such as 9/11 and 7/7.
Throughout his career, Keith has developed skills as a trainer/presenter, providing various modules on aspects of mental health, and was part of the team which won the National Training awards in 2008.
On retirement from the Met, Keith decided to build on his involvement in sport. Previously he had been part of the Walking the Courses event, which raised money for Racing Welfare, and has held the role of Chairman of the Institute of Welfare which helped develop the professional training of Racing Welfare officers.
Keith now works in the weighing rooms at both Newbury and Goodwood racecourses and also sometimes work in the dope test box at Goodwood. He is the current Chair of the Royal Mews Riding for the Disabled Group which have their sessions at the Household Cavalry Barracks in Knightsbridge.
Returning to counselling work in the NHS too, Keith currently works three days a week providing one-to-one counselling, mediation, trauma debrief and group work. Keith also loves going racing and recently completed attendance at all the racecourses in England, Scotland and Wales. He also has syndicate ownership of seven horses with MPR and Ronnie Racing, ranging from 1.5% to 7.5% shares.
Getting close to nature and taking long walks with his rescue Border Collie Kara is Keith’s way of relaxing. Married to Janet and with one son Ian, they all share a passion for music and nature, although Keith says he’s out on his own when it comes to football, as since the age of 10 he has supported QPR, which has given him moments of joy and heartache in equal measure!
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