We are a friendly bunch here at Care Merseyside known for our compassion, humour and professionalism.
We love to get to know the people who use Care Merseyside and we love seeing them thrive thanks to activities, events and interventions we have referred.
Your journey with Care Merseyside will start with a conversation with one of us. This is very informal and a chance to find out more about you and give you access to activities you will enjoy or help you get you the advice you need.
Cathy Connolly – CEO
Hi I’m Cathy and have been CEO of Care Merseyside since 2017. I have over 25 years experience in both Community Development and Training and Education. I am a Qualified Teacher of English and spent 15 years teaching English in Secondary Education where I was also a Trade Union Rep for NASUWT. Advocacy and Support are my passion and I believe everyone is entitled to achieve a good state of Health and Well-Being. I am very proud of the model we have developed for Care Merseyside over the past few years and delighted with the growth of our organisation. The service we provide, the lives we change and innovative ways in which we deliver are truly deserved of this growth and recognition.
Facilitating the Creative Writing Group has been one of the most relaxing and rewarding parts of my job – it has allowed me to share my love of literature with the class and to encourage people to write and experience a sense of catharsis while doing so.
Dr Faisal Maassarani – GP
Dr Maassarani founded Care Merseyside in 2009, originally named the Tower Hill Community Charity. In 2018 the charity was renamed Care Merseyside. Dr Maassarani is passionate about social prescribing, believing it helps treat the ‘root cause’ of some patient medical challenges. Dr Maassarani is a champion of our local community and wanted to provide people with a place to go and get the support needed following devastating cuts to local services over the last few years.
Brittany O’Mahony – Partnership Lead & Link Worker
As a link worker, it is my job to pick up client referrals, speak to our clients and discuss which support would be beneficial for that person to improve their health and wellbeing. In my partnership role, I make connections with other local services, community groups and organisations to establish good relationships and work collaboratively on different projects. I also love to organise feel-good events and activities that benefit our patients, alongside organising fundraising events for Care Merseyside. I love the work that I do as it enables me to make a difference to the local community.
Ruth Melling – Lead Social Prescribing Link Worker
Hi I’m Ruth, I am the Lead Link Worker within the Social Prescribing team at Care Merseyside. I joined Care Merseyside back in March 2020, before joining the team I have worked within NHS therapy teams and within activity team at private care homes for the older generation.
I love working with people and helping people navigate their way through life changes. I have seen so many lives positively change thanks to social prescribing interventions and I am looking forward helping further individuals with their wellbeing goals.
Anna Griffith – Health & Wellbeing Coach
As a health & wellbeing coach, I run the Drama and Worryless Groups for Care Merseyside as well as facilitating courses for Anxiety Management. I am passionate about the Arts and feel they are a positive outlet to help with mental health expression and understanding.
My favourite thing about working for Care Merseyside is witnessing first hand, how much the work of the many interventions we have, helps to completely change a life mentally, physically and socially for the better.
Megan Peet – Health & Wellbeing Coach
Hey I’m Megan, as a Health & Wellbeing coach I support people towards trying to reduce their anxiety. Myself & Anna have facilitated drama for mental health sessions with Care Merseyside, as we both have a background in Drama which we studied in University. I offer courses for clients which provide strategies to cope with Generalised Anxiety. My favourite part about my role is meeting people from all different walks of life and having fun!
Mary-Kate Gilmore – Link Worker
Hello! I’m Mary-Kate, as a link worker my role is to make contact with new referrals and discuss suitable support options, which could be beneficial towards the individual’s well-being. Social prescribing takes on a holistic approach in supporting people and it is great to connect with clients on a personal level and sign post to the most appropriate or helpful services based on their individual needs or concerns. Whether it is physical or mental support.
My favourite aspect of working for Care Merseyside is the connectivity. From phone calls and helping people access appropriate support to the event days and groups which are held. I love how it brings people together and creates safe and happy spaces for the community to access. It is genuinely joyful to watch and participate in these moments.
Nicola McLoughlin – Health & Wellbeing Coach
Hi I’m Nikki, I am a health and wellbeing coach for Care Merseyside. I specialise in yoga, meditation, reiki and relaxation, which I offer both face to face and online. I absolutely love working for Care Merseyside alongside the most caring, kind and wonderful people who pass their kindness onto others.
Rachel Ainscow – Health & Wellbeing Coach
Hey, I’m Rachel and I am a Link Worker / Health and Wellbeing Coach with Care Merseyside! I have previously acquired a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am passionate about helping people to help themselves and accompanying people on their journey towards positive change. By using the skills that I have developed within the coaching and link worker role, this enables me to help people to move towards living a more manageable, enjoyable and fulfilled life. It is amazing to see the positive change that Social Prescribing can bring to people’s overall health and wellbeing and I am proud and humbled to be even a small part in someone’s journey!
