New CEO appointed for Mind Rochdale

Mind Rochdale is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer, Philip Bramson.

Philip Bramson brings with him a strong background in leading mental health organisations and a passion for advocating for individuals experiencing mental distress.

His extensive experience will be crucial in steering the organisation into its next phase of growth and development, as it continues to evolve and serve its communities.

In addition to implementing the current two-year business plan, Bramson will support the Board and collaborate with staff, volunteers, service users, and other stakeholders to develop the organisation's long-term strategy.

The organisation is excited to welcome Philip Bramson to the team. He will officially assume his role on 2 September.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Rochdale and District Mind as its new Chief Executive at the beginning of September.

"I will shortly be leaving my role as Chief Executive of The Advonet Group after nearly 12 years.

"Everything I have done in my current job, together with my life experience and previous roles have given me good understanding of challenges facing people needing support over their mental health.

"My first paid job in the charity world was for Mind in Barnet back in 1993 as a drop in worker. Since then, I have held a variety of roles in health social care charities.

“I have worked in a project for people who were street homeless with complex mental needs, been a Senior Leader in KeyRing a national charity which wanted to deepen its mental health expertise and managed three housing schemes for people experiencing mental distress. My experience in my career has shaped my approach which has three key aspects.

“The first aspect is that you never stop learning and you never know where your next lesson is going to come from. The second is that collaboration is amazing – within an organisation, with local partners, and with service users.

“Collaboration leads to more sustainable and more innovative development.

"The final aspect is about taking a person-centred approach. Valuing lived experience and including diverse voices in any conversation help builds resilience. Resilience is always important, but especially in these times which are so challenging communities and charities.

“Once I get started in my new job, I really want to get to talk to as many people as possible. People who work or volunteer for Rochdale and District Mind, and people who use its services. People who are from partner organisations or who are interested in the charity’s work.

He added: “I want to understand people’s perspectives, and to talk about how together we can build on Rochdale and District Mind’s incredible success and make an even bigger difference in the lives of local people dealing with mental health issues. The collaboration starts soon. I can’t wait until September!”

Mike Ruiter will stay on as interim CEO until that time and handover to Philip. The board would like to thank Mike for his part in shaping the business plan and his leadership in the past few months.