Passing of the torch as Claire is named chair of trustees at Solent Mind’s annual celebration

Solent Mind hosted its annual celebration earlier this month, with the mental health charity formally announcing a change in leadership.

Held at the Southampton offices of Blake Morgan LLP, the evening brought together supporters and stakeholders to celebrate the charity’s achievements over the past year.

It also saw John Wilderspin, the charity’s chair of trustees for the past six years, pass the baton to Claire Lowe.

In his farewell address, John reflected on the charity’s progress during his tenure, including the growth in the number of mental health services Solent Mind is now offering to people in the local area.

“It’s been a privilege to serve as chair of trustees for Solent Mind,” he said.

“I’m constantly impressed by the work carried out by our staff and volunteers.

“Their compassionate and caring approach has been a real inspiration to me.

“As I hand over to my successor, Claire, I’d like to extend my thanks to them as well as everyone in our communities who fundraise and support us in so many different ways.”

Claire brings to the role plenty of experience in leadership, governance and relationship building, coupled with a passion for mental health advocacy.

As a CEO in the education sector, she’s witnessed first-hand the effects of socio-economic disadvantage on mental health, especially within underserved areas.

Claire added: “My career has focused on raising standards, building effective governance and supporting communities, particularly through my role leading an educational trust in Southampton and Hampshire.

“I’ve seen how challenges with parental mental health directly affect our students, highlighting a critical lack of resources to support these families.

“As Solent Mind chair, I want to help ensure that our reach is extended more widely to support those most vulnerable in society.

“Everyone deserves access to compassionate and effective mental health care.

“I’m honoured to take on this role and build on the incredible foundation laid by John.”

Solent Mind’s annual celebration welcomed Dr Lesley Stephens from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust as guest speaker.

Later, Kat Morley spoke of the “life-changing” support she received from Solent Mind’s Southampton Peer Support team.

She now works on the team alongside her peer worker, Cat Dunnell.

Sally Arscott, CEO of Solent Mind, said: “It’s a challenging time for mental health across the country.

“People are accessing our services more, often more unwell.

“And with funding cuts, we’re having to do more with less.

“At Solent Mind, we’re committed to making sure we can reach those people who need us most, and I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year.

“I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to John for his fantastic work over the last six years, and I want to welcome Claire, who I know will continue to build on the work that John has already done for mental health in Hampshire.”

Solent Mind’s services were used 48,000 times in 2023/24, with the charity’s crisis centres supporting 4,000 incidents.

• solentmind.org.uk