Jane Hughes - CEO Expand I began my career in the commercial sector in product and business development roles. My passion for the voluntary sector was sparked through supporting local community groups, whilst a keen interest in health and social care led to my first role in the sector as a Service Manager for Brook. When the 17 independent Brook charities merged in 2011, I became a member of the Executive Team leading on the development of multi-site Operations and Business Development functions across the UK. Shortly after, I became Deputy Chief Executive with responsibility for Service Delivery. I am a Chartered Manager and have held organisational lead roles for safeguarding and as Caldicott Guardian. Most recently I was the Operations Director for Compass where I led a range of integrated health and wellbeing services for young people and adults, including substance misuse, sexual health and mental health. I found my niche in the voluntary sector working with like-minded people who are committed to the ethos and values of the organisation. My passion is understanding people's needs and challenges so that innovative integrated services can be developed with the flexibility to respond to those needs.
Sarah Wileman - Director of Development Expand Sarah is the Director of Development. Sarah oversees the development and delivery of services, ensuring MHM continues to achieve outstanding results helping people to recover from mental health conditions. Prior to Sarah's role as Director of Development, she was our Head of Talking Therapies. 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 Strategy and Performance 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 Quality and Operations. 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!
Lorna Hodson-Fraser - Associate Director of People and Organisational Development Expand Lorna joined MHM in August 2021 and provides leadership across our people, recruitment, learning, and organisational development functions. Lorna’s HR career started in engineering, and she has since gained experience in NHS, education, and the fire service. Outside of work, Lorna is a foundation member and Manager of the Blue Light Choir, which was established to promote mental wellbeing and reduce the stigma associated with mental health in emergency services. "I'm passionate about influencing and representing the vision and values of the organisation and shaping the cultural agenda for colleagues".
Christopher Thomas - Director of Finance & Technology Expand Chris brings a wealth of experience gained over 26 years as a Director of Finance across both the not-for-profit and commercial sectors before joining Mental Health Matters in April 2023. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, and also a member of the Institute of the Motor Industry. Chris’ interest in mental health developed from his experience of the benefits of outdoor activity on mental health, which also lead to his involvement with The Mountain Training Trust where he chairs their Audit and Finance Committee. He is also a trustee of Kidney Cancer UK. Away from work Chris is a passionate Rugby fan and supporter of Northampton Saints, a lover of live music, and also considers himself as something of a film buff.