CHOICE Team

Professor Gavin Davidson

Professor of Social Care, Queen's University Belfast

Find out more about Professor Gavin Davidson

Professor Brynmor Lloyd-Evans

Professor of Mental Health and Social Inclusion, University College London, Division of Psychiatry

Find out more about Professor Brynmor Lloyd-Evans

Kyria Hannigan

Community Navigator based at Praxis Care

Kyria has been a valued member of the Praxis Care Derry/Londonderry team since joining in 2017.

Initially commencing employment in the role of support worker within Supported Living adult domiciliary care, her passion for ensuring the people we support were enabled to live fulfilling and meaningful lives was undeniable. Her solution focused approach combined with Kyria’s natural tenacity repeatedly saw barriers removed for many who had previously been marginalised; making long held ambitions a reality.

Efforts and outcomes achieved saw her commended by those we support, their representatives, commissioners and colleagues alike which led to progression to the role of Team Leader in which she continued to thrive. Kyria sees the person and not the label and in highlighting strengths held, empowers individuals to dare to view things from a new perspective to develop greater possibilities and potential.

Kyria’s personal life saw her taking on caring responsibilities for others impacted by addition and poor mental health. Kyria understands the extensive and far-reaching impact poor health can have for both the individual themselves as well as their wider circle.

An experience often needlessly made more challenging due to stigmatisation that can see people’s voices minimised, silenced and forgotten. Understanding the impact inequality and lack of resources within her own area has, she actively sought to become part of the solution.

This led to engagement in community development, developing an unwavering commitment to fostering empowerment, advocacy and partnership working in the hope of creating more inclusive and resilient communities for the benefit of all, irrespective of need.