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Meet Karen Alcock, one of Mersey Care's public governors

“Life often takes us in unexpected directions. I’ve always tried to embrace change and look for the positives. Whatever I’m doing my priority is always the people involved.

I enjoy being around people. I moved to Warrington in 2019 knowing hardly anyone, so when the pandemic came I felt a real sense of isolation.

When the world opened up I joined a Zumba class and met a group of ladies, who I now class as friends. The group is so inclusive – when someone joins they’re not the ‘newbie’ for long!

I took the chance to be a governor so I could become even more involved in my community. When I heard about the vacancy I thought, ‘I’m going to have a go at that’.

My working life has included 14 years with mental health charities, some at senior level. But I have personal experience too. Life events led to me becoming mentally unwell and it was only with fantastic support from my community mental health team that I recovered. I can understand and empathise with both staff and patients.

I sometimes doubt myself and worry I won’t be good enough, but I genuinely care about having good services. I understand the demands and challenges faced by staff as they strive to deliver high quality care too.

My goal as a governor is to use my life skills and professional expertise to help people be the best that they can be. I feel proud and privileged to be in a role where I can make a difference."

Governor elections will take place early 2025. If you would like to find out more about what a governor role involves, please visit our website.

Find out more about our membership and governors.

Tel: 0151 471 2303 Email: ft.membership@merseycare.nhs.uk Write to: Corporate Affairs, Mersey Care Trust Offices, First Floor Hollins Park House, Hollins Park, Hollins Lane, Winwick, Warrington, WA2 8WA