TV presenter, psychologist and author Anjula Mutanda has been elected as president of relationships charity Relate.

Mutanda, who is of mixed heritage, is the first black president of the charity.

She takes up the role after supporting Relate for a decade, first as an ambassador then as vice president.

“Her appointment is a significant step for the charity which is keen to reflect that relationship issues affect everyone, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexuality or religion – and that relationship support services like counselling and mediation are universal,” said Relate.

“Together, Relate and Anjula are also on a journey to inspire and support people from all backgrounds to consider a career in counselling.”

Her broadcast presenting roles include Radio 4’s Bringing Up Britain series, Channel 4’s intimacy counselling programme Sextape and guest appearances on show including ITV’s This Morning and Lorraine.

Mutanda, who is also a clinical therapist and psychotherapist, said she is “very excited to be appointed as Relate’s first black President”.

“People of different backgrounds are underrepresented in the counselling profession and this is something we definitely need to do something about,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to working with Relate to reach more young people, more people from black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities, more LGBTQ+ people and to attract more counsellors from these backgrounds to train with the charity.”

She takes over from Janet Walker, who has been President for the last two years.

Previous presidents of relate include the comedian and campaigner Ruby Wax.

Relate chief executive Aidan Jones added: “The journey we are on to becoming a truly inclusive organisation is hugely important to our plans for the future. We know Anjula will challenge and support us on this journey and highlight the breadth of our work with families, individuals, couples, children and young people to new audiences who could benefit.”

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