Councillor Lynn Clarke

 Born the eldest of 4 children, Lynn's father was a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, which meant that she spent a lot of her early years living at naval quarters around the country.  A time she looks back on fondly.

When her father left the Forces, Lynn's family settled in Knowsley, with Lynn attending Prescot Girls' Grammar School, followed by studies at the Open University and Liverpool University, gaining B.A. and M.A. Degrees.

Lynn has two children, both of whom attended local primary and secondary schools.  They still live in the Borough and she is immensely proud of them and particularly pleased that her daughter has agreed to be her Mayoress this year.

Lynn has worked in the public sector, including the NHS and Local Government, for over 40 years; working in Councils across Merseyside and in Kent.  She was awarded a Merseyside Police Commendation for her work in St. Helens on the Police national 'Reassurance Project'.

Elected to Council in 2016, Lynn has represented the Town Centre Ward and is now one of three Councillors representing the residents of Windle. She has served as the Environmental Services' Portfolio Holder in Cabinet, introducing the collection of recyclable plastics.  She has also served on the Merseyside Police and Crime Panel and as a member of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.  Most recently, Lynn has Chaired the Council's Audit and Governance Committee and is also a Governor at Merton Bank Primary School.

In 2018 Lynn became the first female Councillor to hold the position of Armed Forces Champion, a role she proudly retains today, and this year becomes the first Mayor of St Helens to introduce the role of 'Mayor's Cadet'.  She will be accompanied at Armed Forces events in the Borough by a local young person attending a cadet programme.  She will continue to promote the Armed Forces and her support for Cadets throughout her year in office.

St. Helens has been Lynn's family home for more than 40 years and she is honoured to become its first citizen.  

Mayor's Charity Appeal 2023-2024

The Mayor, Councillor Lynn Clarke has chosen to support the Deafness Resource Centre, based in Windle, St. Helens, during her 2023-24 Term of Office.

St Helens Deaf Society became an incorporated charity in 2009, changing its operational name to Deafness Resource Centre.  The work of the organisation has also changed, responding to the needs of the wider D/deaf community, which includes people who have hearing loss.  It's estimated that 1 in 6 people fall into these categories.

The services currently offered are:-

Children, Young People and Family Services -offering support with communication through family sign courses delivered in the home or education setting. ICAN sign - a group for children to learn sign language.  Weekly youth group with pre-planned activities and informal learning sessions. A range of social events and activities to reduce isolation and development of communication and social skills.

Communication Services -providing fully qualified and vetted British Sign Language interpreters for a range of front-line services including hospitals, G.P.s, education. and local authority services.

Advocacy -qualified advocates working with D/deaf children and adults. This 1:1 support is essential in empowering individuals to make informed choices and decisions on issues impacting their daily lives.

Environmental Aids- provide 1:1 assessment for individuals so they can remain independent in their own homes with the use of specialist equipment.

Training -informal deaf awareness training and introduction to British Sign Language sessions to service providers, groups and individuals. Accredited level 1 BSL

Self Help Support Groups -hard of hearing and tinnitus groups run in St. Helens, Widnes and Runcorn.  The groups offer the opportunity for people to share their experiences and  support each other, whilst reducing social isolation arising from their condition.

The Deafness Resource centre provides essential support to so many families affected by hearing loss of all kinds and is a lifeline to so many in St Helens.

Anyone wishing to support the Mayor's Appeal can do so by sending donations directly to the Mayor's Secretary as per the following details -

Mayor's Secretary                                                                                                                                   
Democratic Services
St Helens Borough Council
PO Box 512
St.Helens
Merseyside
WA10 9JX

Cheques should be made payable to 'The Mayor's Appeal Fund'