Karen joined the Mental Health Foundation in March 2022. Working with the Scotland and Northern Ireland team, Karen’s role is focused on developing the Northern Ireland office and establishing a strategy and implementation plan focussed on public mental health.
Karen has over 20 years of experience working in social justice, disability and human rights in Northern Ireland. Karen’s background is in communications, policy, co-production, public affairs and programme development. Karen’s experience in leading the Policy and External Relations directorate at Disability Action included co-production and co-design in the development of strategy, programmes and policy. Karen has held several advisory and Board positions and spent time on secondment to the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
Karen was previously Northern Ireland Manager at the RCPscyh NI, and worked with members to deliver a new strategy and influence a range of policy developments.
Karen has also worked in the technology industry, starting her career in London in the internet industry. More, she worked at Catalyst; managing a range of innovation and community programmes.
Outside of work, Karen took up triathlon a couple of years ago so spends a lot of time swimming, biking and running. Karen is a keen open water swimmer and can be found in the sea around Ireland at any time of the year.