Senior appointments at Guernsey Mind

Monday 17 February 2020

Local mental health charity, Guernsey Mind, has made two senior appointments.

Non-Executive Director at the charity and Chief Executive of Guernsey Post, Boley Smilie, has taken over as Chair.

He replaces John Curran who has been in the role for the past six years.

Meanwhile, Jo Cottell, the current Wellbeing Service Manager, has been promoted to General Manager. She will deputise for the Executive Director and be responsible for the strategic development of the training programme, quality management and oversight of the new Alderney Mind.

The appointments come at the end of a period of rapid growth for the charity.

Pictured: Emily Litten.

"The importance of managing both our physical and mental health is now widely recognised and Guernsey Mind has been grateful for the continued public investment in our charity," said the charity's Executive Director, Emily Litten. "With more of a focus on prevention, early recognition, self-determination and social-connectedness, the choices available to support mental wellbeing are wide and extensive.

"Our services are growing daily with nearly 5,000 people participating in our training, 100 people accessing one to one support every year and 400 people attending our weekly groups.

"I am delighted that Boley has joined us, and Jo been promoted, to further the development of Guernsey Mind and ensure a continued growth in services to meet the community’s needs."

Mr Smilie added: “I am absolutely delighted to be involved with Guernsey Mind. During John’s time as Chair and under the Board and Emily’s leadership, the charity has made great progress and continues to positively influence attitudes towards mental wellbeing.

"We have a great team and I am looking forward to the next exciting phase of Guernsey Mind’s development."

Ms Cottell commented: “It’s been exciting to be part of Guernsey Mind’s development since joining the charity nearly five years ago. I’m really pleased to be able to work more closely with Boley and Emily on our plans for the future."