Kerrie Havern

About Kerrie Havern

How Kerrie Helps People and Communities

• Self Defence Classes: Accredited self defence programmes in Newry for children, girls, teens and women, taught in a warm, supportive environment with limited class sizes.
• Women's Safety Programmes: Women-only classes for ages 18 and over, teaching real-world skills and practical confidence at every fitness level.
• Girls & Teens Self Defence: All-girls sessions for ages 9–17, giving young women practical skills and confidence in a space led by a trained female instructor.
• Kids Self Defence: Age-appropriate classes for ages 4–8 that build confidence, awareness, respect and discipline through movement and practical skills.
• Community Wellbeing Initiatives: Safe spaces and programmes that support mental health, connection and day-to-day wellbeing in County Down and Armagh.
• Charity Work & Caring Coins: Co-founded Caring Coins Association in 2020 to help people facing financial or mental health challenges, with a focus on Christmas appeals, free breakfasts and community support.
• Community Partnerships: Collaboration with local groups, schools and organisations to create lasting community impact and broaden reach.
• The Caring Coins HUB Vision: Working toward a purpose-built community space in Newry where mental health, wellbeing and local support can continue to grow.

Strike Back Self Defence

At Strike Back Self Defence, Kerrie delivers age-appropriate self defence classes in a warm, supportive environment. The programmes are divided into three clear age groups: Kids Self Defence for ages 4–8, Girls & Teens for ages 9–17, and Women's Self Defence for ages 18 and over. Each class is designed to build practical confidence, awareness and real-world skills — regardless of fitness level or prior experience.

Her calm, encouraging energy and accredited teaching make the sessions a safe space for participants to grow stronger, feel more capable and take practical steps toward personal safety.

Caring Coins

Co-founded in April 2020, Caring Coins Association has grown into a mission-led charity serving County Down and Armagh. It creates safe spaces and opportunities to improve mental health and wellbeing, running community programmes, a centrally located café, and initiatives such as free breakfasts and children's Christmas appeals.

The long-term vision is a purpose-built Caring Coins HUB in Newry — a space where community support can continue to expand and where no one has to face hard times alone.

Kerrie in The Growth Network

Kerrie is a Growth Network member in Newry and brings expertise in self defence, personal safety, community wellbeing and charitable impact to the community. Members value her practical approach, warmth and commitment to helping people feel stronger and more supported.

She contributes in a trust-based, relationship-led way — whether sharing knowledge about community initiatives, supporting wellbeing conversations, or connecting people with the right local resources.

Why Connect with Kerrie

• Founder of Strike Back Self Defence — accredited self defence classes for kids, teens and women in Newry.
• Co-Founder of Caring Coins, supporting mental health, wellbeing and community resilience across County Down and Armagh.
• Programmes for ages 4 to adult, designed to build confidence, awareness and practical safety skills.
• Warm, supportive teaching style that meets people where they are.
• Strong local partnerships and a vision for a purpose-built Caring Coins HUB in Newry.
• Newry-based Growth Network member connecting community impact with business relationships.