Mind in Somerset is governed by a non-executive board which oversees the direction and strategy of the charity. Board members serve on an unpaid, voluntary basis.
The current board has diverse experience and skills which includes mental health, finance, IT, management and a range of other disciplines. More than half of the members of our board have lived experience of poor mental health.
However, we recognise that neither the Board nor our senior managers have a monopoly of wisdom of mental health matters. So, we are keen to have all our stakeholders participating in goal setting — sometimes simply with feedback, sometimes with a stake in the decision. In this way we hope that our staff and volunteers our funders and our service users will feel engaged and involved — that their voice matters.
Having studied economics at Loughborough University, Geoff went on to serve in various Finance Manager roles at HBS and Mouchel. He became a trustee and Treasurer of MindTWS in 2013 and is delighted to be chair of the new charity. Geoff’s other interests include gardening and steam railways.
John worked in the National Health Service as a GP for 30 years. He also worked as a Clinical Assistant in Psychiatry and as part of the Adult Family Therapy team for 25 years. Latterly he was approved under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act to help in assessments. He still does some work for a computer company Patient.info. John became a Non-Executive Director at South Somerset Mind in 2014 and a trustee from 2017. He has been a Champion for Mental Health with the Somerset PCG/PCO/CCG and is still a keen advocate of whole-person care. His personal interests include music, gardening, sport and his local community.
After hospital experience in psychiatry, Chris became a GP in Shepton Mallet and retired in 2012. He maintains a professional interest in mental health through sessional work for the Tribunal service as a medical member on Social Security appeal boards. He became a trustee in 2017 and is looking forward to the exciting times ahead following the merger.
Frances worked in the National Health Service mainly as a midwife and midwifery tutor. After early retirement, she trained as a psychotherapist. She became a volunteer at South Somerset Mind in 2008 and was a trustee from 2010. She says she is delighted to now be a trustee on the Board of Mind in Somerset and looks forward to new developments in the services for the support of mental health throughout the county.
Nigel is retired having spent 44 years working for IT suppliers. Starting with International Computers his roles have spanned consultancy, project management, sales and marketing in the UK and continental Europe. He has experience at all levels from board to technical, understanding business needs and developing IT solutions. He has a broad understanding of business processes in the private and public sectors and has run the UK operations for continental suppliers.
Hugh is a chartered accountant and worked in the oil and gas industry for over 20 years before moving to the charity sector. Over the last 10 years he has held senior finance roles at Girlguiding and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Hugh has supported Mind for many years and was previously trustee for a London health charity. He enjoys singing and playing table tennis and whenever the opportunity arises he and his wife love to go for walks in the Somerset countryside.
Having studied Integrative counselling with the University of Worcester and running a successful private counselling practice, Rebecca has a wealth of experience within the mental health sector. Previously working for Mind in Somerset, she brings a new perspective to the board, having had varied roles within the charity.
Rebecca worked within the education sector for number of years and is passionate about the provision of mental health services both for adults and young people across Somerset.
Rebecca’s other interests include, renovating her old farmhouse and amateur photography.
Rowen is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and has gained a wealth of experience in various marketing roles across the public and private sector.
Recent positions have given Rowen the chance to develop her interest in mental health, and she was delighted to have the opportunity to join the Board of Mind in Somerset in early 2024.
Out of work, you’ll probably find Rowen outside, walking her dog, paddleboarding on the river, or sitting in her garden with a good book.
Our Emotional support and mental health helpline is now available as a live webchat !
Available every day from 8-11pm.
