Two local Mind charities in Sussex have formed a partnership to “strengthen mental health support” in the neighbouring county of Surrey.
West Sussex Mind and Mind in Brighton & Hove announced the partnership this week and plans for the former charity to appoint a new head of development and partnerships in Surrey.
There is currently no Mind charity working across most of Surrey, although there are some covering the Greater London boroughs of Kingston, Richmond and Croydon.
The Mind in Surrey partnership aims to work alongside local mental health providers to “identify needs, address inequalities and create new opportunities for support”.
Kerrin Page and Gillian Unsworth, chief executives of West Sussex Mind and Mind in Brighton & Hove, respectively, said the partnership aims to create “meaningful and sustainable change” through collaboration.
“We know that Surrey already benefits from a wide range of dedicated organisations, community groups and leaders working to support mental health and wellbeing,” they said in a joint statement.
“We are keen to listen, learn and build on existing strengths, ensuring that our approach complements and enhances the excellent work already taking place across the county.
“As we begin this new chapter, we would welcome conversations with organisations and partners who share our commitment to improving mental health outcomes for Surrey residents.
“Whether through service development, community engagement, training, funding opportunities, strategic partnerships or innovative collaborative projects, we are eager to explore how we can work together to make a positive difference.”
They said that the new head of development would lead the work, “building relationships with key stakeholders, developing collaborative initiatives and helping to create a sustainable programme of activity”.
West Sussex Mind recorded an income of £3.63m and employed 136 people in the year to March 2025, while Mind in Brighton & Hove had a £1.02m income and 34 employees that year, according to their Charity Commission listings.
