Meet our board Sheira Byrne (Chair) 'I am a counsellor in training, enjoying returning to studies after several decades. I have eight years experience as a Safeguarding and Child Protection school governor and volunteered with NSPCC School's Service, visiting primary schools delivering their Speak Out Stay Safe campaign to children, staff and parents. I have had experience caring for a family member with severe mental health issues and fully appreciate the outstanding commitment and support from CAUSE. I feel honoured to be part of this great family!' May McCann 'I have been associated with CAUSE for many years now, both as a board member and as a member of staff, when for a limited period of time I worked part time as CAUSE Carer Advocate. In 2009 I was appointed by the Minister for HSSPSNI as a non-executive director of the newly established Patient and Client Council an independent, arms-length public body tasked with ensuring that the voice of all people on health and social care is sought, listened to and acted upon. I also chair the Bamford Monitoring Group whose role it is to seek and make known to the Minister, department, trusts and other relevant bodies, the views and experiences of people - service users, carers, the public and communities - concerning the changes being made to services resulting from the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability.' Susan Bowman ‘Married for 41 years, I commenced my nursing career in 1972 and have worked in mental health for many years having also attained a Diploma in Community Psychiatric Nursing at University of Ulster and completed the ‘Thorn Course’ at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. As a Community Psychiatric Nurse, I continued links with Queens University and facilitated the role of assistant lecturer working alongside Fiona Martin who developed and established the ‘Thorn’ training course. Although I retired in 2009, I have continued to work part-time with the Belfast Early Intervention Team. My main role within the Team is working with families. In 2022 I had the honour of being invited to join the Board of CAUSE, a post I have had the privilege to hold.’ David Clark (Treasurer) Glen Dickson is retired and is a CAUSE member and carer Gerry Maguire Formerly a social worker and a social care commissioner with regional responsibility for support to carers and a carer for ten years for a family member diagnosed with anxiety disorder, Gerry is also vice chair of Community Advice Banbridge. For more information about minimum requirements and the role of trustees, please call Valerie for a chat on 028 90 650 650 or email: [email protected] Manage Cookie Preferences