Welcome to your Diabetes UK Northern Ireland team!
We are a small but mighty team that works closely with one another to offer support and services to those living with and at risk of diabetes in Northern Ireland. In recent months we have welcomed several new faces to our growing team and are excited to expand on our work in strengthening awareness of the condition, improving care provisions, and providing peer support for diabetes communities across the region.
Learn more about our team below.
Roxanne Small – Interim National Director
"I joined the Diabetes UK team in February 2023, covering a maternity post as Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager, have been recently appointed as National Director for Northern Ireland (Interim).
"Working with the Northern Ireland team is an honour and privilege as they are a wonderful team, of highly skilled and knowledgeable people, who are experts within their own field, demonstrating high levels of commitment to people living with, and at risk of, diabetes living in Northern Ireland.
"The team have ambitious plans for 2024, of which I am beyond excited to support with and watch as they come to fruition after meticulous and careful planning. At the heart of all our work, you will find the voice of lived experience as we are committed to meeting people wherever they are, on their journey with diabetes.
"My working background expands over 10 years within the charity and voluntary sector. People are my passion and working within this sector aligns with my core values of supporting each other.
"Outside of work, I am kept busy between my three children, husband, dog and chickens! But in the spare time we do have, we love getting to Donegal, especially to the beach!"
Suzy Hull – Healthcare Engagement Manager
“I have been working for Diabetes UK since November 2021. Prior to working at Diabetes UK, I worked for 10 years in health and social care, working mainly in mental health services through charity organisations.
“My role involves working with our local healthcare professionals and their networks to understand their role, support them and their development and work together in the design and delivery of services for people living with diabetes. I’m passionate about understanding how we can best work together to support and influence diabetes care and services, involving our healthcare professionals and people using the services throughout.
“I have loved getting to know some of our amazing local diabetes healthcare professionals and the work that they do and look forward to meeting many more and introducing them to the work that we carry out at Diabetes UK.
"Outside of work, I love to do a bit of travelling and see parts of the world, but I’m definitely a home bird and love coming back again. I love music and will regularly be caught with country music on, possibly line dancing at the same time (I’m sure most of the office are glad that headphones exist and that I contain my desire to sing out loud)!"
Phil Mynes – Policy, Public Affairs & Care Improvement Manager
"I started working for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland in September 2019. I lead on the development and delivery of our policy and influencing work to improve outcomes for people living with and at risk of diabetes in Northern Ireland, and keep diabetes high on the political and health agenda. I’m a self-confessed policy wonk and I’m passionate about using evidence-based policy to improve health outcomes and improve and reform health services.
"I’ve worked in policy in the charity sector for 10 years. I’ve previously worked at NICVA, the representative body for charities in Northern Ireland, as well as Marie Curie, the terminal illness charity.
"In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wife and son, football, and craft beer. Sometimes all at the same time.
"By the way, please read Diabetes is Serious…"
Heather Causer – Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager
"I joined Diabetes UK NI back in May 2011. My role as Engaging Communities and Volunteer Manager is to provide leadership for our community engagement, volunteering and youth work teams. The Engaging Communities team work with people living and at risk of diabetes, building relationships with communities and organisations to raise awareness, influence change and support people affected by diabetes to live well and access better care. The Our Lives Our Voices team provides invaluable support to young people living with type 1 diabetes, we are excited that the project has secured funding for a further four years. I am thrilled to be part of an inspiring team and all the work planned to support and reach people living with diabetes across Northern Ireland.
"I have worked in the charity sector for over 12 years and am passionate about working with people and growing relationships. During my many years at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, I have been able to work with fantastic volunteers and people living with diabetes – this inspires me to continue to work hard in my role.
"Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy going to the gym and cold water swimming, but also love a good Netflix night."
Sam Cormack – Youth Co-Ordinator for the Our Lives, Our Voices project
“I am not only new to Diabetes UK but also Northern Ireland as I moved here in September 2022 from Glasgow. I have worked alongside young people and families for a number of years now and in different roles but this is my first role working in the world of diabetes.
“The Our Lives, Our Voices project provides young people living with type 1 diabetes in Northern Ireland the opportunity to connect with their peers, receive support and guidance to help support them with their management of the condition, opportunities to build relationships with health care professionals and the platform to raise topics that are important to them and to make a positive impact for young people living with diabetes in Northern Ireland.
“I am personally very excited to have joined the project, as I can see the fantastic work the young people and the team have done over the last few years, and I hope by working together we can make a lasting impact and work towards a time when diabetes can do no harm.
"In my spare time I enjoy watching sports, cooking and with being fairly new to Northern Ireland I have liked exploring the best Belfast has to offer.”
Sian Dunwoody – Youth Worker
“I am Sian, I am a youth worker at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. I am involved in the ‘Our Lives, Our Voices’ project. This project connects young people living with type 1 diabetes by supporting them to build a peer support network, influence the way healthcare services are provided for young people and support with confidence and emotional wellbeing! It is a great project to be part of!
"I studied psychology as my undergraduate degree at Queens University Belfast and further went on to complete my master’s degree in autism spectrum disorders. I have always worked with young people and really enjoy hearing and learning from their experiences!
"I am also a type 1 diabetic, I was diagnosed at the age of 4. Diabetes UK has been so important in supporting me and I am excited to be a part of the team that provides such a vital service.
In my spare time I love to read, cook and go for long walks with my very energetic dog!"
Fiona Harte – Engaging Communities and Volunteer Officer
“I have been working in the community and voluntary sector for over 10 years, so community development and engagement is a huge passion of mine. Since starting in November our team have been working on establishing and embedding the Live Well Hubs in Bangor, Ballymena and East / South Belfast.
"This exciting new programme is a one-stop-shop which provides information, support and advice to improve the health and wellbeing of the community. Allowing those living with diabetes to access the information and support they need.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to meet and learn from our wonderful volunteers and participants seeing first-hand how this project can make a positive difference.
"In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and taking my dog for walks along the beach or in the mountains. I also like travelling and Pilates."
Elaine Hanna – Diabetes Engagement Officer
"I have worked with the community and voluntary sector for over 15 years, mainly in a family support and community engagement role. I joined the engaging communities and volunteering team in January.
"I have enjoyed getting out to the Live Well Hubs and seeing first-hand how they support people in the local community and how vital they are in helping individuals with diabetes access peer support.
"I am excited about my new role as Diabetes Engagement Officer and look forward to continuing with community engagement, to help support people and increase their understanding of diabetes, enabling them to make healthier choices to improve how they live well with diabetes.
"I am Mum to five children and have two dogs. We love to spend time chilling out at our caravan and doing some kayaking or going for walks in the lovely Mourne mountains."
Christopher Henry – Diabetes Support Worker
"I joined Diabetes UK Northern Ireland in August 2023. I am thrilled to work for an organisation that is held in such high regard for the incredible work they do for the diabetes community. My background and previous line of work was in the dietetic service. Whilst working within the Health & Social Trust I completed a part-time Masters in Human Nutrition. I fell into the diabetes team by chance and probably similar to a lot of recently diagnosed service users, was overwhelmed by the complexities of the condition. Though, once I learned more about diabetes, I began to love working in the area, hence my jump over to Diabetes UK. I was an accredited educator in the Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) and the type 2 diabetes education programme (DESMOND). It is in these group environments where I loved seeing the ‘lightbulb’ moments for the participants learning more about their condition, empowering them to live with diabetes and live life to the fullest! Also, not to forget the craic in the sessions, not one community group was the same.
"In the Engaging Communities and Volunteering Team I work closely with people living with or at risk of diabetes and their carers – providing the information and support they need to improve their wellbeing and put them more in control of their lives. I work with our network of volunteers, groups, community organisations and local partners to help connect more people to the information, support and key services they need to improve their overall quality of care and support.
"Outside of work I am a massive sports enthusiast! I love nothing more than packing up the car with my young family and travelling around following all things GAA and rugby."
Michelle McCracken – Communications Manager
“I joined the Diabetes UK team in February 2023 to help drive forward our communications work on a local level here in Northern Ireland. My background and skills lie within the areas of PR, Marketing and Communications – in most recent years this has been within the charitable sector which has been an incredibly enjoyable and rewarding experience.
“I thoroughly enjoy sharing the stories and experiences of others through effective and engaging communications and seeing the ripple effect this can have on organisational awareness, support and understanding.
“Working closely with Rachael in my team, I’m really looking forward to supporting the fantastic work of our colleagues through strategic communications and engagement with our key audiences. I feel very lucky to join a team that carries a real passion for positively impacting and supporting people living with diabetes.
“Outside of work, some of my favourite things include spending time with my husband – be that Netflix binging, trips to the Coast, or long walks and treks. I also have a fondness for a good book (when I have time!), delicious coffee, and a very spoiled cat named Farah!”
Rachael Campbell – Digital Engagement Officer
“I joined the team in November 2022 and am mainly working on social media and everything digital, as well as providing support to the wider communications team at Diabetes UK. I'm looking forward to working on some new, exciting projects in the coming months to reach even more people in Northern Ireland living with or at risk of diabetes. I’m excited to see what's in store for 2023 and how we can help within local communities and across Northern Ireland.
“I worked in London for six years before moving back to Northern Ireland, my previous role was in digital marketing for a charity. I am passionate about working in the charity sector and being able to make a difference to people in my local community. I'm eager to settle in to this role, learn more about diabetes and the people who are affected by it in Northern Ireland, and contribute some fresh perspectives to our digital and social media platforms.
"I love painting and playing hockey in my spare time, as well as going out for dinner and drinks with family and friends. I've recently taken up running and am aiming for Belfast City Marathon in May with Sam.”
Victoria Bennett – Office Manager / Executive Assistant
"I am the most recent member to the team in Diabetes UK and just started in January 2024. I worked for Local Government for over 20 years so I am very excited to join a charity organisation who are all so passionate in reaching and engaging more people living with diabetes.
"My role involves the effective running of the office on a daily basis. I am the first point of contact for people who need advice help and support by giving them valuable resources and information. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Northern Ireland team and providing support to them as we all work hard to deliver the NI Plan for 2024. I also provide an Executive Assistant service to the National Director.
"Outside my work, I enjoy eating out, going on holidays with my husband and two teenage children and spending time with family. I am a Leader of a Youth group in my local church and also run a Ladies group. I love baking, walking and meeting up with friends for coffee."
Naomi Breen – Community Fundraising Manager – Northern Ireland & Scotland
"I joined the Fundraising team in July 2008 and currently manage the Scotland community fundraising team as well as looking after local fundraising activities in Northern Ireland. After nearly 15 years at Diabetes UK Northern Ireland, I have met and supported some of the most incredible fundraisers and have had a lot of fun at events along the way.
"My role is to grow income through supporting local community groups, corporates and individuals in organising their own events. I am passionate in building successful relationships with fundraisers, bringing together a community through fundraising. Fundraising is important to me as it has the potential to transform people’s lives through cutting-edge research and ultimately bringing us closer to a cure.
"I am a committee member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising in Northern Ireland for almost 10 years and currently hold the treasurer role. This group champions excellence in fundraising and we organise events for other fundraisers from other charities to attend, to share learn from each other.
"Outside of work, I love spending time with my two young children who keep me very busy with all their activities. I come from a farming background, so enjoy getting back to the farm at the weekends and have long walks across the fields with my children, seeing the animals. Inside my home, I enjoy good coffee, playing the piano and a great show to watch on Netflix! I also have a very large and naughty Bernese Mountain Dog called Rocky, who takes me for a walk, not the other way around!"
Keep in touch
If you would like to get in touch with our team you can email n.ireland@diabetes.org.uk or call 028 906 66646.
