Meet the team

Emma joined YoungMinds as CEO in July 2018. Prior to this, she worked as a consultant for a range of youth organisations on digital adoption and strategic development and was Chief Executive of The Mix.

Tom leads the team responsible for our communications, campaigns and participation work. He joined us in 2016 and has spent his career campaigning for change in the health and disability sector, including at Mencap, Sense, Diabetes UK and the National Autistic Society.

As our Director of Training and Services, Deirdre leads the teams that deliver our parent services and training and consultancy work. After 20 years at charities like the NSPCC, Diabetes UK and Arthritis Research UK, she started working in support services in 2013.

As Director of Development, Vanessa connects supporters with what we do, so we can fund the future of YoungMinds. Vanessa began her career working for WWAV Rapp Collins in direct marketing, but has now been a fundraiser for over 20 years, with experience at both a regional and national level.

Mike is the interim Strategy and Implementation Director and is responsible for making sure everything we do is focused on making a step change in impacting young people’s mental health.

Sacha is our Director of Finance and Business Operations and is responsible for making sure we are on good financial footing, and that we have the right processes in place to support our organisation's goals.

Heading up our Business Development Team, Sophia sources and develops partnerships to grow our work.

Thad is our Evidence and Innovation Manager, with more than thirteen years’ experience in the field of research, evaluation and policy in the non-profit sector.

Patrick heads up our Programme Management Office at YoungMinds, giving him oversight of all the different projects we work on across the organisation.

John oversees the finance function and day-to-day financial management of YoungMinds.

As Head of Service Development, Roxane’s role is to help evolve and improve our services to increase the impact of our work on young people, parents/carers and professionals.

Hannah leads the amazing team of trainers, consultants and participation workers that deliver great work across the UK.

Rosie provides strategic and operational leadership to the team responsible for the day-to-day delivery of HR services and facilities management, as well as safe working, wellbeing and safeguarding at YoungMinds.

Emily is a student who is passionate about advocating on disability and mental health related issues in an inclusive and artistic way. She says: "I think it's important to have a wide range of experiences and voices in every aspect of advocacy, and, with a lived disabled experience, I can offer that perspective."

Ruth joined the Youth Panel because they are excited to work around mental health on a national level. Their advice to other young people? Your problems are always worth voicing no matter how big or small you may think they are.

Esther joined the Youth Panel to understand more about what goes on 'behind the scenes' of a charity and make sure young people's voices are heard. Her advice to other young people? You are not alone.

Jacob joined YoungMinds Youth Panel because he believes in the power of young people's voices. He wants to help change attitudes towards mental health, and ensure the issues facing young people are not overlooked by people in power.

Nana is a psychology student who joined the Youth Panel to help raise awareness about the mental health struggles young people face. Her advice to other young people? Remember that you do not have to do this alone.

Joining us from the Hereford/Welsh border, Morgan is passionate about making a difference for young people who are struggling with their mental health. Morgan knows how important the systems working behind the scenes are, which made the Youth Panel programme a perfect fit.

Chris is an engineering student who enjoys walking, climbing and being outdoors. He joined the Youth Panel to help us in our mission to ensure that no young person feels alone with their mental health.

Omari joined the Youth Panel to influence change 'behind the scenes' of YoungMinds. His advice to other young people? Don't be harsh on yourself and remember that you are loved!

Emry is really concerned about young people's mental health, and joined the Youth Panel because they want to make a difference on a national level. Emry's advice to other young people: "It might not get better overnight, but it will get better over time".

Nathan joined the Youth Panel to help people, learn about the running of a charity, and gain some more life experience, He says: "I'm hoping to be able to help others with the same problems I've got and do good in the world."

Flav joined the Youth Panel because he believes mental health is one of the topics in today's society that really matters. He says: "YoungMinds is a refreshing medium of support for those struggling with mental health, and I wanted to be a part of it!"

Charity is passionate, a deep thinker, and always eager to learn new skills. She joined the Youth Panel to learn more about how important decisions are made, and is excited to make sure young people are always part of those decisions.

2021-2023 Youth Panel member

Caroline is the Chair of our Board of Trustees, and a Partner at Deloitte.

Julie is Director of Transformation at Parkinson's UK, and a YoungMinds Trustee.

Simon is Group General Counsel at the Prince's Trust, and a YoungMinds Trustee.

Jenny is a Partner at Ernst & Young, and a YoungMinds Trustee.

Meryl is the CEO of Re-Engage, formerly known as Contact the Elderly.

Alex is the CFO and COO of the SR Group, and a YoungMinds Trustee.

Imogen is a student and a YoungMinds Trustee. Her advice to her younger self? You are stronger than you realise.

Julia is a student and a YoungMinds Trustee. Her advice to her younger self? Everything will work out for the best.