Originally from Portadown, Lynne studied nursing in Liverpool before spending a number of years working in West and Sub-Saharan Africa with organisations including Concern and Oxfam. For the last 15 years, Lynne has worked as a Critical Care nurse in Canada, most recently as the Nursing Manager of the Oncology and Ambulatory Care service within the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
Nicky Conway, Chief Executive of BCM, says;
“We are delighted to have Lynne as a part of the BCM family and are looking forward to her insight and contribution during this time of uncertainty and transition as an organisation. Throughout the pandemic, BCM has continued to deliver support to vulnerable people and we know that Lynne’s knowledge and expertise will allow us to further develop our methods and approach, for the benefit of our staff, volunteer network and service users alike.
“On behalf of the BCM Board and Senior Leadership team, I would like to welcome Lynne to BCM in her role as Deputy CEO and we are keen to hit the ground running with Lynne as a member of the Senior Leadership team.”
As part of her new role, Lynne will be the Director of Quality and Care for BCM’s numerous activities and initiatives in the community. Ranging from Puddleducks Day Nursery in Belfast city centre – awarded No.1 private nursery in the UK 2018 – through parents’ support projects and supported housing for young people, to the award-winning Kirk House in east Belfast providing residential care for the elderly.
Lynne said;
“It is a privilege to now be part of the rich history and exemplary work that BCM carries out and I am excited to develop and shape BCM’s provision of care for the individuals, families and communities we work with.
“With more than 130 years of established and earned reputation and respect across the care and social work sectors, BCM is one of the few organisations operating today that provides such a broad scope of support for so many and I am humbled that I can be a part of this life changing work.”
Founded in 1889, Belfast Central Mission was originally set up to provide a local Christian response to social problems in inner-city Belfast. Today it has evolved to offer its invaluable support to disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, children, families and older people throughout Northern Ireland.
For more information on BCM, or to donate, visit www.belfastcentralmission.org.
Lynne is pictured with Nicky Conway, BCM's Chief Executive.