Helen Mackay - CEO Expand Helen began her “MHM” life in 1987 as our Office Administrator. Helen has held many management positions in MHM including Communications, Policy, Operations, Marketing and Corporate Services. In 2008 Helen became MHM’s Chief Operating Officer and in 2011 was appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer. Before joining MHM Helen worked for the Manpower Services Commission (Government funded training scheme) training young people in office administration. "I recognise I have been incredibly fortunate to have had offered and to have taken opportunities to grow my skills and learn many new skills whilst working for MHM. Our commitment to creating opportunities that enrich and enhance the lives of people that live with a mental health need and for those caring for people with mental health needs is the reason why MHM is here. I am so proud of being part of a passionate, challenging charity and working with an amazing team of people."
Gillian Dobson - Director of Finance and Deputy CEO Expand Gillian is the Director of Finance and Deputy CEO at MHM. Gillian is responsible for MHM’s financial health, managing the accounting and financial control of the charity. Gillian is a Chartered Accountant with a diploma in Charity Accounting. She has previously worked in voluntary and public sector organisations as Finance Director of Tees Valley Leisure, Head of Finance and Governance for the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley and Chief Accountant of Teesside Training and Enterprise Council. Gillian was formerly a Governor and audit committee member of Prior Pursglove College, Guisborough. "I’m passionate about working in a charity that helps people live the life they choose - and that is at the heart of MHM and the partners we work with." Gillian is also a non-executive director of Tees Mutual, a mutual insurance provider, and was previously a trustee of Unite Limited, a mediation and restorative practice charity. Outside of work Gillian enjoys travelling and going to the cinema.
Julie Haley - Director of Community and Support Matters Expand Julie is the Director of Community and Support Matters, overseeing the development and delivery of these services, ensuring that they are high quality, efficient and have a lasting positive impact on people’s lives. Julie was drawn to the field of mental health early in her career. Julie has experience of working in the private sector and charitable organisations, in many roles all in the field of mental health, and has overseen a number of Learning Disability and Mental Health Registered Care and Domiciliary Care services. Julie joined MHM in 1995 working in our supported housing services. "It may sound like a cliché, but I wanted to change the world, and at the age of 21 I applied for the position of Support Worker at MHM and hoped for the best - and the best is exactly what I got! MHM were changing the way in which mental health services were being delivered and I loved being part of it." Julie started as a part-time support worker with MHM before quickly moving to full-time and getting a promotion. Julie briefly transferred out of MHM to another organisation under TUPE Regulations when a service changed hands, but was thrilled to return to work for MHM a few years later! "Enhancing services for people and working closely with people who use the services is where I belong. For those that know me, they will know that people and quality mean everything to me." Outside of work Julie enjoys time with her kids and her 'fur babies' Barney and Lenny. Her love for Middlesbrough Football Club and netball is no secret and they keep her very busy on a weekend!
Sarah Wileman - Head of Talking Matters Expand Sarah is the Head of our Talking Matters brand which encompasses our IAPT services. Sarah oversees the development and delivery of these services, ensuring that they continue to achieve outstanding results helping people to recover from mental health conditions. Sarah has worked in Health and Social Care for over 20 years, across both the Statutory and Voluntary sector. Sarah was drawn to the field of mental health following a previous role which involved developing Primary Care Mental Health Services and talking to the people who had used these services. This exposed her to the impact that these services have for people with mild to moderate needs and how they can change people’s lives. From 1996 to 2000 Sarah worked in a large supported Hostel in the centre of Glasgow, working with men with complex needs. Following this she moved to Teesside working for Teesside Probation Service with offenders on release from prison and those with Drug Treatment Orders. She then moved to Addaction where she was a Team Leader for a Drug Intervention Programme in Middlesbrough. In 2006 she worked as part of the Middlesbrough Drug Action Team, in the commissioning team. Following this Sarah moved to North Yorkshire County Council, Adult Social Care, as Carers Project Officer latterly also taking on responsibility for Continuing Health Care. Prior to moving to MHM Sarah worked for Turning Point as a Bid Manager specifically working in Mental Health services. Sarah moved to MHM in 2017 as Transformation and Partnerships Manager. "I believe that the services we provide can effect real change in people’s lives whether it means someone can return to work or live in a safe supportive environment. People have an amazing capacity to reach their potential with the right support that is delivered by trained supported staff with a real belief in what they do." Outside of work Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, running (purely for fun!!) and walking her dogs!
Sonia McGough - Director of Governance Expand Sonia has worked for MHM since 1994 having qualified as a social worker specialising in mental health. Over the last 24 years, Sonia has worked in a number of roles with MHM; in both direct service delivery and organisational infrastructure and is currently MHM’s Director of Governance. Sonia is incredibly passionate about excellent mental health services. When not working, Sonia spends time with her family and their menagerie of animals….a dog, two cats, two rabbits, a bearded dragon, a tortoise and a horse!