FROME cancer charity We Hear You (WHY) is delighted to welcome its new Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Kitchener.
Outgoing CEO Melissa Hillier recently left the charity after seven years at the helm, to take up a new role as CEO of RICE Bath.
Lucy brings a wealth of skills and experience from a career in local authority and health commissioner of mental health and wellbeing services.
Lucy says, “I am passionate about supporting children, families and individuals affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions with free therapeutic support. I believe in the importance of people having access to high-quality professional support at the right time and in the right place.”
Having benefited personally from WHY’s service in the past, Lucy feels a strong connection with the charity and those it supports.
She said, “Some years ago, I was with my Mum at home, as she died from a brain tumour. I benefited from pre-bereavement counselling with WHY and it truly helped me to navigate that period of time and much beyond; helping me to access my strength and find acceptance. I am dedicated to ensuring we can share our services with anyone who may benefit from what we offer at WHY.”
Lucy started with We Hear You on 10th March and will provide operational and strategic leadership to WHY, ensuring that the charity fulfils its objectives and remains true to WHY’s values while maintaining and expanding WHY’s free, specialist counselling and emotional support for children and adults affected by cancer and life threatening conditions.
Outside of work, Lucy is kept busy by her four children and her cocker spaniel, Dotty – and training for a Hadrian’s Wall trek for WHY in September!
To refer yourself for WHY’s free services for children and adults affected by cancer or a life threatening condition, please call 01373 455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk .