Our Trustees

I have been involved in developing voluntary sector mental health services since 1979, and have really enjoyed the challenge. There were no facilities back then, and mental health was not really talked about. We now have two supported houses and flourishing centres in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge. We can – and do – make a difference.

Whenever possible I have tried to volunteer in one way or another, and I have served in many different areas. I am drawn to the mental health field as I feel this is an area of real need. Sevenoaks Area Mind works for everyone with mental health issues within the local community – the community I wish to serve.

After taking early retirement from international finance, I had time to devote to my community. I was particularly pleased to join Sevenoaks Area Mind as I believe that mental health is so  important and affects so many of us, directly or indirectly. Here we have dedicated staff and volunteers committed to improving the lives and wellbeing of our clients, and to overcoming the stigma attached to mental health.

I have spent the majority of my career in UK and International media, but decided on a change of direction a few years ago and began training as a psychotherapist. I began practising at Sevenoaks Area Mind four years ago, and joined as a Trustee two years ago. I feel the service we offer is essential and one that can be broadened to provide a wide range of locally relevant offerings.

I retired early from Investment Management and served as Treasurer for almost 10 years before stepping down to remain a Trustee. Fortunately we have been financially strong with good reserves during that time. I have been struck by the dedication of the staff, management and trustees in the Cinderella area of mental health. This has been in the face of many challenges and changes in the legislative background and funding framework.

I have a background in management, having been a director of an engineering company for 25 years. My work in mental health is inspired by my own experience of depression and subsequent recovery. I want to support Sevenoaks Mind in any way that I can to continue delivering excellent services. I am also Chair of our Mental Health Awareness Group, who provide mental health awareness workshops across South West Kent.

I have always been interested in mental health and its profound impact on individuals, families and society. It remains misunderstood, underfunded and at times still ignored. On retiring as Chief Executive of a major charity providing training I welcomed the opportunity to join the Trustees of Sevenoaks Area Mind, where my objective is to expand on the excellent base we have and offer our first class services to greater numbers of people and groups in the future.

Good mental health is something easily taken for granted by most of us. If it is compromised at some stage people often feel unable to ask for help for fear of stigma. My aim is to change that forever. My area of expertise is marketing, I am proud to be a trustee working to help you understand and help us to help those in need. Sevenoaks Area Mind….do you?

I have a long-standing interest in mental health, and after a long career in the civil service I want to use my experience of policy, management and government interaction with the voluntary sectors in the mental health context. I am a trustee of a London mental health group, and am now really pleased to be involved with Sevenoaks Area Mind where there is a strong feeling of dynamism and engagement, and a positive and creative response to current challenges.