Two leading mental health charities serving Hull, East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire are to merge.
The two charities currently provide a wide variety of services and support for people of all ages. These include prevention activities, housing, counselling, group activities, one-to-one support and advocacy. Supported by volunteers, their 55 employees help more than 3500 people each year.
“Our intention is to create a single charity offering an extensive range of support for people affected by mental ill-health” said Peter Archer, Chair of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
“We have kept the merger process as straightforward and cost effective as possible. The first step of merging the charities has been completed and we’re now exploring how we can help more people experiencing mental health problems get the help, support and respect they deserve.”
Steve Wakefield, Chair of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mind adds: “Like many voluntary sector organisations, we have been aware of the benefits of joining with other like-minded charities for some time. We are delighted that our discussions have led to a stronger and more robust charity for those who rely on us.”
“We see this as a route to helping more people get the essential mental health support they need.”
Questions & Answers for response to queries from members, volunteers, staff and media
THE MERGED CHARITY AND ITS SERVICES
Q1. What are the benefits of the merger?
- We are creating a single, local charity as the lead provider of high quality voluntary sector mental health services.
- With a turnover of more than £2,000,000 this enlarged mental health charity will be a major voluntary sector player within the Humber Coast and Vale STP area.
- People who use our services, volunteers and staff will benefit from the enhanced status, security and authority of a larger organisation.
- As one charity, we can campaign for improved services and act as a powerful voice on issues around mental health.
- Each organisation has complimentary expertise that will help improve the standard of service provision across the whole area of operation.
Q2. What will the merged charity be called?
We understand how important it is for residents and stakeholders to feel a connection to their local Mind. The main charity will continue to be called Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and will trade as North East Lincolnshire Mind within the existing Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mind catchment area.
Q3. What will be the ethos of the merged charity?
Both boards of trustees intend that the merged organisation will incorporate the core values and ethos of both Minds, with early intervention, empowerment and campaigning being at the heart of the new organisation. The views of people with lived experience of mental ill-health will continue to be represented throughout all levels of the organisation.
Q4. Will the merger mean that some services will cease?
We intend to retain all current services, dependent on the availability of funding. In the current climate, we cannot give absolute guarantees.
In the medium term, we hope to expand services to meet unmet needs in North East Lincolnshire and surrounding areas.
STAFFING
Q5. Who will be the Chief Executive of the merged charity?
David Smith, Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind will lead the merged charity.
Q7. Will there be job losses at either charity?
No job losses are planned. One of our intentions is to help secure both jobs and services. Cost saving is not our primary aim.
Q8. Will staff terms and conditions of employment change in the merged charity?
No – everyone will be employed on their existing terms and conditions.
Q9. Will staff be consulted about the merger plans?
A consultation has been carried out with the staff from Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mind who have been fully involved in the merger plans.
PREMISES
Q10. Where will the merged charity be based?
Both Minds will continue to operate from their existing locations.
Q11. Will the merger mean the closure of the Mind office in Grimsby?
No. It is anticipated the Grimsby base will be used to host new services as they develop.
TRUSTEES, MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS
Q12. Who will be the Chair of the merged charity?
The new merged Board will have trustees from Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Mind. The chair will be Peter Archer.
Q13. What effect will the merger have on volunteers?
Both Minds are highly dependent on their volunteers who help in the provision of some key services. It is likely that the merged charity will be able to provide enhanced support and training for volunteers.
Q14. What impact will the merger have on Mind’s membership?
National Mind has been consulted throughout on the merger process and is supportive of the outcome. The two previous memberships will be merged into one.
