Centre for Mental Health has announced the appointment of Andy Bell – who it says has ‘played a fundamental role in driving change in mental health’ during his 20 years with the Centre – as its new Chief Executive.
The organisation – which claims to ‘lead in challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health’ – said: “From using the Centre’s economic work to secure the roll-out of specialist perinatal mental health services across the UK, to his work alongside Ministers and politicians to press for liaison and diversion services, and the establishment of integrated IPS employment services within community mental health teams, Andy’s integrity and incisiveness have mobilised major changes for mental health. He also spearheaded the Local Authority Mental Health Challenge (which equipped over 100 local councillors to speak up for mental health) and the Equally Well collaborative (working to tackle health inequalities among people with severe mental illness).”
Andy Bell succeeded Sarah Hughes as Interim CEO on her move to Mind and, following a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, has now been appointed to lead the organisation as it aims ‘to drive forward sustainable policy change, and to pursue equality, social justice, and good mental health for all’. Andy Bell said: “Centre for Mental Health has been challenging mental health inequalities for nearly four decades, and has a lot more to do. People living with mental health difficulties don’t always get the right support where and when they need it. We’ll keep working to change that, and put social justice at the heart of mental health policy.”