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Coalition Conversations is an initiative designed to bring together key stakeholders, advocates, and the wider community to discuss and shape the future of mental health services in Ireland. These conversations serve as a platform for engagement, policy influence, and collective action.
Reshaping Healthcare - HSE 6 Health Regions - 24th April 2025
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Our Coalition Conversations webinar series is back for 2025, with the first webinar focusing on Understanding the HSE’s Regional Restructuring. This webinar will explore the shift to six new regional health areas, explore the potential impacts on services, communities, and professionals, and provide space for your questions and insights. Whether you work in health, policy, advocacy, or simply want to stay informed, this is a session not to be missed.
Information Pack
Presentation Slides
Quick Links Guide
View the Webinar
Content links will be made available after the webinar
About the Speakers
Philip Watt is Interim CEO of Mental Health Reform, while Fiona Coyle is on maternity leave. Philip commenced this role in September 2024. Until February 2024, Philip was CEO of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) during a period of considerable progress in CF related policy, services and life expectancy. Over a period of almost 15 years Philip was proud to work closely with people with CF; clinicians; the National Clinical Programme for CF the HSE and the Department of Health. Philip is a former President of CF Europe; The Rare Disease Taskforce; Health Research Charities Ireland (HRCI) and the NI Council for the Homeless. Philip looks forward to continuing the important work of MHR, working closely with its excellent member organisations and the HSE, focussing on the multidimensional challenges and opportunities related to mental health reform in Ireland.
Suzanne Connolly is the CEO of Barnardos Ireland, having joined the organisation in 2001. As CEO, she leads the development and delivery of Barnardos’ ambitious Strategic Plan 2022–2027, ensuring that the organisation continues to innovate and provide impactful, evidence-informed services for children and families across Ireland. Suzanne is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and works to ensure that the needs and experiences of children and families remain central to public policy, parental awareness, and public discourse. Under her leadership, Barnardos continues to champion early intervention and develop models of best practice that demonstrate real value and measurable impact. With a strong commitment to driving systemic change, Suzanne ensures Barnardos remains at the forefront of service delivery, advocacy, and public engagement.
Elaine Teague is the CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), a federation of over 120 member organisations working to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities in Irish society—a role she assumed in May 2024. With over three decades of experience across the non-profit, disability, and mental health sectors, Elaine has worked in direct service delivery, quality and governance, and systems change. She leads DFI with a strong commitment to rights-based approaches, meaningful engagement, and the co-design of services that reflect the real lives and priorities of disabled people and their families. Grounded in evidence, collaboration, and accountability, Elaine believes deeply in the power of community-led solutions and champions cross-sectoral partnerships to create inclusive, person-centred systems.
If you have a topic that you want us to explore in our next Coalition Conversation, let us know! Please reach out us and share your thoughts.
Louise Farrelly
Policy and Research Manager lrooney@mentalhealthreform.ie
Stephen Donnelly
Communications & Membership Officer sdonnelly@mentalhealthreform.ie