A message from our CEO, Veronica Moore (formerly Harnett)

As Chief Executive of Redcar & Cleveland Mind it has been an absolute privilege to lead this wonderful charity since 2011 and to see it reach thousands of people during this time, transforming lives and communities, and courageously opening up the mental health conversation like never before. As part of those conversations I’ve always been honest and open about my own mental health challenges so it’s only right that you all understand my news.

I’m desperately sad to share that I’ve made the decision to step down from the job I love as a result of my deteriorating physical and mental health and a period of personal losses over the past couple of years. Since my brother’s death by suicide in summer 2021 and the loss of my fellow Local Mind CEO friend and mentor Karen, to cancer, at an untimely age during lockdown in late 2020, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on what’s important to me and my family, and also what’s best for the next phase of leadership for Redcar & Cleveland Mind.

I’m immensely proud of my achievements as CEO, and the measurable impact we’ve made in the past 11 years. Redcar & Cleveland Mind has seen huge growth and development during this time and we’ve taken bold and innovative approaches to reach more and more people. One of my greatest achievements was securing 4 properties back in 2013-14 through the government’s Empty Homes Community Grants Programme to provide 7 tenancies to vulnerable people since then. I never imagined that a hard hat would become a regular part of my work wear for the many months we were undertaking building work! We were the only local Mind to be part of the EHCGP and I’m so proud that I was brave enough to do something different as it’s enabled our charity to grow by having our own assets, something we never imagined would be possible.

I may not have needed a physical hard hat again in recent years, but leading us through the pandemic and beyond has definitely needed a virtual hard hat at times! I’m really proud that we were able to launch new services during this time, especially our HEROES and Listening Place outreach projects.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some outstanding colleagues and volunteers within our own charity and from other key partner organisations over the years. I’d like to thank them for their often inspirational work, their time, generosity and professionalism.

Charity leadership needs oodles of energy so my successor will need to bring that to take our amazing charity to the next level. They may also need a hard hat at times as it’s a tough environment to navigate, especially with the current cost of living crisis and the challenges that brings. I’m sure our trustees will secure a strong successor to lead Redcar & Cleveland Mind going forward. I’ve led us for more than a third of our 31 years, and I leave with a huge sense of pride. I look forward to seeing what lies ahead for us all, and will make sure that I keep my lived experience at the heart of whatever I do next. We need to keep talking about our mental health; I know my conversation is only just beginning!

John Adams, trustee adds: “Veronica has led our organisation with energy and integrity since September 2011 as Strategic Advisor and since July 2013 as Chief Executive. The Board are sad to see her leave us but wish her well for the future, with better health in 2023 and beyond. We offer our heartfelt thanks for her many years of service and leadership.”