Hertfordshire’s two local Mind charities have announced plans to merge by the start of April next year, with an aim to improve relationships with commissioners.
Herts Mind Network and Mind in Mid Herts, both part of the national charity’s federation, plan to form Hertfordshire Mind in an aim to “create a stronger, more resilient organisation, better equipped to meet the diverse needs of our community with compassion and innovation”.
In their announcement the charities said the merger would also “simplify collaboration with commissioners and partners at a countywide level, helping ensure our services are sustainable and responsive to local needs”.
Herts Mind Network recorded an income of £5.88m in the year to March 2024, including over £5m from 29 government contracts.
Mind in Mid Herts, meanwhile, recorded an income of £1.46m in 2023-24, including over £1m in government contracts and grants.
They said the combined charity would “ensure that everyone across Hertfordshire receives the same high-quality mental health services, regardless of where they live”.
Herts Mind Network has around 132 employees and is based in Watford, while Mind in Mid Herts has 55 members of staff and is based in St Albans, according to the Charity Commission website.
A spokesperson for the charities said it had not been decided where the merged organisation would be based or who would lead it.
Mind in Mid Herts interim chair Mary Compton and Hertfordshire Mind Network chair Jess Lievesley said in a joint statement: “As chairs of Hertfordshire Mind Network and Mind in Mid Herts, we are excited to be exploring a potential merger.
“Both boards have agreed that combining our strengths will enhance and sustain services across Hertfordshire, offer greater value for our commissioners and most importantly ensure that our clients, colleagues and volunteers remain at the centre of all that we do.”
Local Minds merge ‘for a variety of reasons’
Aidan Mersh, associate director of federation support at Mind, said: “The voluntary sector is seeing significant challenges at the moment, and the commissioning environment is rapidly changing. Our local Minds are working to adapt and evolve to the communities they serve.
“More than 60% of our local Mind network has a turnover of more than £1m. Being part of a strong federation allows local Minds to work collaboratively to ensure that those who need Minds support the most, receive quality and necessary services.
“When local Minds do take the decision to merge, it can be for a variety of reasons. Some do so to increase the reach of their services, while others will do so because of financial pressures.
“Whatever the reasons, the goal is always to keep delivering the vitally important services that people in their communities rely on.”
