I have been at Mind in Salford for over 15 years and have seen many changes both political and environmental during this time. Over the past 2-3 years, however I have seen the most drastic and worrying changes. People struggling post- pandemic to deal with anxieties about the future and the cost of living crisis meaning that many more people are having to access food banks and struggling to pay rent or mortgages; sometimes having to choose between feeding their children or keeping them warm. The impact that these events have had on our mental wellbeing is enormous with many people experiencing poor mental health for the first time in their lives.
Mind in Salford remains strongly committed to supporting everyone in Salford with a mental health issue. We believe in building a resilient community where we all help each other and strive and campaign for better mental health care. A place where we can talk freely about our mutual mental health struggles and create responsive and welcoming services. A place where multiple marginalised identities are understood and celebrated.
I joined Mind in Salford as Chair of the Board of Trustees in March 2024. My career is in the NHS and Charity sector. Working in system level change, I have experience of strategic management, implementing service improvement strategies, commissioning mental health services and developing drug and alcohol services. I am an experienced clinician, manager and trainer with operational and strategic expertise in alcohol, substance misuse, mental health, criminal justice and homelessness with a Special interest in Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring conditions).
I have considerable experience in service transformation, workforce development, improvement of integrated care pathways and policy implementation. I have led innovative projects and created credible partnerships to deliver quality services for vulnerable people, including specific projects for hard-to-reach groups. I have demonstrable experience of including the needs of user and carer groups as equal partners in service design and delivery.
I have worked at Board level since 2020 in the Charity sector, am a qualified yoga teacher and reiki practitioner and currently work as a Civil Servant in the criminal justice system.
I am proud to serve as Chair to support and implement the fantastic work of the Senior Management Team, all staff and volunteers that enable local people to access and benefit from services.
Mind in Salford employs over 40 individuals and gains much needed support from local volunteers. We working closely with our board of Trustees, currently with 7 members. Our team is passionate about bringing expertise, lived experience of mental health, compassion, respect and creativity to the organisation. We work across our city through a variety of services, led by our wonderful service leads and senior management team. The work that we do is underpinned by our core values, to help us make a positive difference to the wellbeing and mental health of local people.
Since 1972, Mind in Salford has been providing mental health and wellbeing support to the local community, working to reduce mental health stigma.
Our team and services have grown over the years to support more people in our local area.
Throughout this we have been committed to social justice and challenging the stigma and discrimination to defend the human and civil rights of people with mental health issues.
Mind in Salford is an independent charity with our own board of trustees and financial income. We are proud to have achieved the Mind Quality Mark, accredited by the charity commission.
We are a company limited by guarantee:
Company Registration number
Registered Charity Number 1156625
Want to know more about our strategy?
Mind in Salford is an independent charity and we are very proud to be affiliated with the Mind federation. This includes around 120 local Mind associations, as well as Mind retail. We work closely with other local Mind associations throughout Greater Manchester and campaign with those further afield to fight for better mental health nationally. Mind has a national information line – telephone number 0300 123 3393 – or you can text 86463.
For more information, please visit the national Mind website.
Working for Mind in Salford has been an experience of growth both professionally and personally. I have been here for eight years and couldn’t imagine my next role, as I feel I am right where I need to be. Being an advocate is such a specific role, often challenging; always interesting and one of those jobs in which you build relationships with clients and a vast array of professionals in such a wide range of circumstances, that there is always a newness to the role.
Simon – IMCA Advocate
It is a really fulfilling place to work. It’s rewarding and I feel like my skills and personality are really valued.
Simon – IMHA Advocate
