Centre for Mental Health chief executive Sarah Hughes is leaving to take on the same role at Mind.

She will join the mental health charity early next year and takes over from Paul Farmer, who has taken over as chief executive of Age UK.

Hughes has 30 years' experience in the mental health and criminal justice sector and has been CEO of the Centre for Mental Health since 2017.

She has also led a number of regional branches of Mind, including in Peterborough and Fenland, Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire.

She also worked as a mental health worker for Mind in Haringey, London, for five years and initially trained as a social worker.

Other roles include first night in custody manage at the Prison Advice and Care Trust and therapeutic community manager at Tulip Mental Health Group.

“It is a huge honour to be appointed as the new Chief Executive at Mind, an organisation I have loved and supported for more than 30 years,” said Hughes.

She added: “I am leaving the Centre with a heavy heart, but with pride at what we have achieved with such a small but mighty organisation during the last five years.

“We have spoken out for mental health equality, for racial justice, and for better mental health services. We have trained hundreds of employment workers to enable people with mental health difficulties to fulfil their potential in work.”

I am beyond excited to be taking on the role of Mind CEO in January 2023, I am still pinching myself… thank you @CentreforMH for the best six years, it’s been life changing for me! Thank you @paulfarmermind for your inspiration over the years, respect and love 🙌🏼 https://t.co/Z0P0hwKdfY

— Sarah Hughes (@_Sarah_Hughes_) October 6, 2022

While at Mind Farmer had been one of the charity sector’s longest serving CEOs, having led the charity for 16 years.

“Paul Farmer is a tough act to follow but I'm truly delighted that Sarah will be leading Mind at this crucial time for mental health,” said Mind chairman Stevie Spring.

“Her commitment to bringing to the fore issues that have historically been ignored - including her work around race equity and poverty - will make her a passionate spokesperson for our sector.

“We're in the midst of a mental health crisis, where the work we do at Mind has never had more importance, particularly amongst those hardest hit by the pandemic.

“Sarah brings with her the vision, authenticity and leadership style we'll need to continue to meet the challenges ahead."

Share Story: