Centre for Mental Health is delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Bell as its new Chief Executive.
Andy has worked at the Centre for over 20 years, playing a fundamental role in driving change in mental health. 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 of all parties to make the case 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 succeeded Sarah Hughes as Interim Chief Executive on her move to the charity Mind and, following a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, has now been appointed to lead the organisation in its aim to drive forward sustainable policy change, to pursue equality, social justice and good mental health for all.
Professor Dame Sue Bailey, chair of trustees, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Andy as the Centre’s new Chief Executive. His compassion, humility and wisdom have not only won him the respect of the sector but have driven real change in mental health policy and practice. His incisive and courageous leadership will enable the Centre to keep challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.”
Andy Bell said: “Centre for Mental Health has been challenging mental health inequalities for nearly four decades. We’ve got a lot more to do. With our outstanding team of dedicated staff, our brilliant trustees and our many friends and partners, we’re determined to bring down the barriers to mental health equality. Too many people’s mental health is put at risk by poverty, inequality, racism and discrimination. 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.”
