Each year, the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards honour outstanding women from across Merseyside, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to the people, sectors and communities they serve. This year, we’re very pleased to see the Chair of The Women’s Organisation, Pat Shea Halson, in the running for the coveted prize, in recognition of her lifelong commitment to improving the lives of people in our region.
Pat’s first involvement with The Women’s Organisation was as a client, while completing a business skills course in conjunction with Liverpool John Moores University. Having benefitted from the service herself, and feeling passionately about ensuring more women have access to economic support, Pat joined our Board in 2008 to help steer our organisational direction.
An award-winning entrepreneur, Pat has been the chief executive of the Centre for Personal Development for over 20 years, providing specialist trauma counselling, training for would-be counsellors, and supporting women and children to develop their communication skills, confidence and self-esteem.
“Pat Shea Halson has made a huge contribution to community and civic life here in Merseyside through her work as a trustee of several charities that support vulnerable adults and children,” said Professor Maggie O’Carroll, chief executive of The Women’s Organisation.
“She has willingly devoted her time to providing voluntary counselling services to members of the Hillsborough Survivors Group, as well as supporting a number of charities working to end violence against women and girls.
“Many lives across Merseyside have been transformed and improved because of Pat’s work, and her humble yet visionary approach has helped empower so many vulnerable people to live happier, healthier and more prosperous lives.
“It is a true privilege to have Pat as Chair of our social enterprise and to be led and supported by such an extraordinary community advocate and role model.”
Voting closes on Friday 2nd June. To view the 2023 shortlist, and to cast your vote, please visit www.merseysidewomenoftheyear.co.uk/mwoty-2023
