We believe no one should have to face a mental health issue alone…
We are South East and Central Essex Mind.
South East and Central Essex Mind is a small but impactful charity working with local people to create and promote positive mental health. Our 2025–28 strategic plan - read more here - outlines the vision, ambition and impact of the charity.
Our mission is to Prevent ill mental ill-health in the area, Reduce barriers, stigma and waiting lists and Promote a positive future for mental health. We will do this through accessible and bespoke services, education, and campaigning, with the aim of helping to create an empowered and mentally healthy community.
We are an independent local Mind charity, part of a network of Local Minds across the UK. While we share the values and aims of national Mind, we are separate registered charities and are responsible for our own funding and services. Donations made to national Mind do not directly fund local services such as ours.
We provide supported housing, counselling for adults and children, corporate wellbeing services, and a range of community projects designed to improve mental health and wellbeing. Supporting people across Southend, Rayleigh, and Chelmsford, we help local communities access the care, guidance, and support they need to thrive.
Established in 1966, we have been supporting local residents for many years. In 2012, we merged with Chelmsford Mind to become South East and Central Essex Mind as we are known today.
We rely entirely on fundraising and generous donations to continue our work. Every contribution helps us deliver vital services and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives across our communities.
Executive Board
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Gary Raven
Chair
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Akanshi Agrawal
Trustee
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Jo Hall
Trustee
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Paul Gayler
Trustee
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Beky Lockwood
Treasurer
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Dave Paterson
Trustee
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Mary Patricia Flynn
Trustee
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James Richardson
Trustee
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Luke Whitney
Trustee
Our Senior Team
Dr David Sollis
Chief Executive Officer
Sophie Cooper
Head of Operations
Laura Lewsey
Housing Manager
Get in touch!
If you’d like to find out more about our work, explore support, get involved, or talk about how we can work together, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our team and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
Corporate Partners and Funders
