Lorraine O'Connell
Lorraine has worked for Sexual Health West since 2008, as their Sexual Health Education Coordinator. She designs, delivers and evaluates sexual health programmes promoting positive sexual health and HIV awareness to all communities in the west of Ireland. The WISER (West of Ireland Sexuality Health Education Resource) is currently delivered in over 40 schools in the West of Ireland by Lorraine and her colleagues. ‘A Little WISER’ is being rolled out in a number of primary schools and has received very positive feedback from students, parents and schools.
Neil Wilson
Neil works in conjunction with the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force (www.wrdatf.ie) to inform parents and professionals about a range of topics that relate to both substance misuse and sexual health. WRDATF also delivers courses directly to young people, especially those in higher-risk groups, and are involved in a number of projects that support harm reduction in a very practical way; from apps supporting safety around waterways to the HSE’s campaigns at music festivals.
Jo Mohan
Jo has worked with Sexual Health since September 2010 as Office Administrator. She is involved in maintaining the efficient running of the day to day workings of the office which can involve liaison with Bank/Suppliers/Schools and other organizations. She supports the WISER team, with the administration of facilitating the WISER and the little WISER Programmes and participates in outreach and testing events.
Ciara Mulgrew
Ciara joined the Sexual Health West team in 2024 as a Sexual Health Educator.
Originally qualified as a Mental Health Nurse in 2016, and since then has worked in a Child and Adolescent Acute Mental Health Unit and a Rehabilitation Unit for Adults.
Ciara believes that health is holistic and has always loved working with people to empower them to feel confident to advocate for their health and wellbeing. In 2022, Ciara completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health Promotion, and in 2023 graduated from the University of Galway with a Masters in Health Promotion. Ciara is excited to work in and foster open and supportive environments that reduce misinformation and stigma while promoting positive sexual health.
Rebecca Brennan
Rebecca joined Sexual Health West in 2025 as a WISER Sexual Health Educator.
She graduated from TUS with an Honours degree in Social Care Practice and completed her Thesis on the ‘Attitudes and knowledge of students surrounding STIs’.
Rebecca worked in the disability sector for many years and from this understands the importance of inclusivity and the need to create environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Rebecca is passionate about helping today’s youth access quality education that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for future life.
She graduated from TUS with an Honours degree in Social Care Practice and completed her Thesis on the ‘Attitudes and knowledge of students surrounding STIs’.
Rebecca worked in the disability sector for many years and from this understands the importance of inclusivity and the need to create environments where everyone feels valued and supported. Rebecca is passionate about helping today’s youth access quality education that equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for future life.
Hope Turner
Hope joined Sexual Health West as the Fast Track Cities Project Manager in 2024. She then merged her work with the WISER Sexual Health Education team. With a background in Health Promotion, Hope moved to Ireland and graduated from University College Dublin with a Master’s in Public Health. Due to a specializastion in Female Genital Mutilation, she enjoys collaborating with sexual violence supports in Galway. Hope is passionate about the elimination of HIV-related stigma and accessible education & services for sexually transmitted infections.
