Charity professionals work passionately and tirelessly in stressful roles to care for others. But is enough being done to look after them? Our Q&A on mental health in the workplace will encourage an important conversation on this topic.

 

 

Mark Flannagan is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. Previously, Mark was Chief Executive at Beating Bowel Cancer. In that role, he led advocacy around access to cancer medicines and took a high-profile role in advocating for a new approach that involved patient experience. He is widely recognised as a highly experienced speaker, policy analyst and communicator. Last year, Mark opened up about his own mental health struggles in a piece for the Third Sector.

 

Clare Lucas has worked as a campaigner in the charity sector for 8 years and is currently Campaigns and Engagement Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK. Clare’s interest in mental health stems from her experiences of supporting people with mental health issues as a support worker and her academic studies and general interest in psychology. She is frustrated by the continuing stigma surrounding mental health issues, even within the charity sector. Clare is on a quest to get more people talking about their struggles and supporting others with theirs!

 

Lucy Daniels is Wellbeing Manager for a reputable London University and has 20 years experience working in mental health and disability services across the voluntary, government and higher education sectors. Lucy is currently working to train a network of Mental Health First Aiders at her current institution in order to support staff and students with their mental health and provide an effective first response. Lucy was recommended to us by our member Caroline Thwaites.

 

Gillian Connor is Head of Policy Partnerships at the National Mental Health charity Rethink Mental Illness. She has previously worked as Head of External Affairs at Hanover Housing Group and as Policy Advisor for Age UK. Gillian was recommended to us by Chris Hough, Senior Events Fundraising Officer at Rethink Mental Illness.