Board of Trustees

Linda Megahey is a professional chartered accountant with membership of ACCA. She is an experienced board member with a proven track record both commercially and operationally. Linda has been on the board since April 2016.  She is married with three children and is a keen advocate for mental health wellness and preventative care.

Dr Patrick McKeon, the founder of Aware in the Republic of Ireland, was involved with Gerry Ward and Helen McDonnell in establishing AWARE in Northern Ireland. He has been on the Board of AWARE in Northern Ireland since 1996. By profession, he is a Consultant Psychiatrist.

A Psychology graduate with a PGDip in Guidance and counselling, Helen has over 25 years of experience in mental health and development. An accredited Professional Coach and mindfulness practitioner, she has been running her Personal & Professional Coaching business since 2007. Helen has been involved with AWARE as a founder member and had various roles including staff member, volunteer and now a Board member.

Gordon McIlroy is one of the Directors of MKB Law with specific responsibility for overseeing the commercial and corporate business undertaken by the practice.  Gordon is married with two children. He also keeps a 1964 Austin Healey on the road which is affectionately known as ‘The Death Trap’. In his spare time, he plays (bad) squash and (even worse) golf.

Malachai O’Hara is the Green Party Councillor for Castle, North Belfast and deputy leader of the party.  His background is in community development and is a long-standing LGBTQ activist. He has been on the board of AWARE since 2019.

Jarlath McCreanor has for many years been a very active volunteer with AWARE.  He has been and continues to be a support group facilitator and proud owner of the AWARE car.  Jarlath represents the views of our service users on the Board.