So much of what we offer is because we have an amazing and dedicated group of staff. Everybody faces different challenges and you never know what someone is going through or how they are coping with life, unless you ask them and start a conversation about good mental well-being. Please take a look through their profiles and get to know them a little bit, before you call in.
Claire Flynn joined Limerick Mental Health Association as a part-time Project Co-Ordinator for the Le Chéile Peer Support Project in November, 2014. She became Project Manager of Le Chéile Peer Support Project in January 2016.
Claire's role is to oversee and manage the project. She reports directly to the Board of Limerick Mental Health Association.
She loves her job and feels very lucky to be in a role that she enjoys. Claire loves what she does as the main purpose is to reduce social isolation and to increase social inclusion. Claire returned to education in her 40’s and managed to get a Degree in Psychology and Media. Claire loves reading and meeting new people.
Martina is a local resident of Farranshone Limerick; a mother of three boys and a career to her son Mairtin who has Cerebral Palsy. Martina enthusiastically joins team an opportunity to bring her own journey of recovery to others; and combine this role in Le Cheile with caring.
Martina holds a Masters Degree in Community Development, Organisational Development and Marketing from UCC; She is also a trained life coach and trainer. Martina Brings to LMHA over ten years experience in training and facilitation in a cross-cultural setting.
Prior to having children, Martina worked in Uganda and Sri Lanka with Concern and in South Sudan with GOAL; she managed the Australian volunteer programme in East Timor and has also consulted with the Irish Aid in the dept. of Foreign affairs. More recently Martina has coordinated community based groups in Limerick City including the Park and Play Parent and Toddler Group, Step Forward Support Group for families with children with Cerebral Palsy and is also the chairperson of the Parent Association in St Gabriel’s School in Dooradoyle catering for the severe to profoundly disabled.
Martina is so delighted to join the team and working with Le Cheile volunteers to support positive mental health in Limerick City and County she will facilitate the Women’s group and contribute to facilitation of the Migrant Social Club another component of her role involves rolling out of messages from Limerick Mental Health week to local communities.
Sylvia is our Project Worker at Le Chéile. She has previous experience working in Residential Care and in therapeutic support for children and adolescents. She also has previous experience as an adult mental health recovery support worker. She has a B.A in Applied Social Studies and Social Care from L.I.T and a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Further Education from Mary Immaculate College.
Sylvia is passionate about mental health, wellness and recovery, especially through self expression and creativity, having been a member of Le Chéile’s creative writing group. Sylvia’s own recovery journey was strongly supported through her love of education and music, especially the guitar and drums. She has facilitated groups in mindfulness, personal effectiveness and care skills. She is delighted to join the team at Le Chéile.
Irene Lane comes to Le Cheile with a background in Art, Adult Education and Social Care. Diagnosed with a bipolar disorder in 2008, she has lived experience of how difficult it can be, to achieve a balanced life when one has a life-long, mental health condition. Most recently she has been working with ARIES (Advancing Recovery Ireland Education Service), delivering modules in recovery, at the acute units in Limerick and Ennis, from the perspective of a service user.
This month, Irene secured a bursary from the HSE & Genio, to pursue her studies in Peer Support at DCU. She is looking forward to her placement at Le Cheile, where she hopes to make friends, build working relationships, put theory into practice and develop the requisite skills for such a position.
Dara Graves Ryan is a student of UL studying English and Psychology currently doing his Co-op placement at Le Chéile. Dara is a passionate learner with an interest in writing and mental health. He hopes to get a great deal of hands-on experience in working in the mental health sector while he carries out his placement here. Dara has also previously assisted in fundraisers for other mental health charities, such as Pieta House. Having previously attended counselling and participated in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dara is excited to assist in Le Chéile and bring his own personal experience to the table at Le Chéile.