About
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Our Mission
At S&G Mind, we embark on a transformative journey driven by a compelling mission, guided by a visionary vision, and anchored in unwavering values, passionately committed to revolutionising mental health and fostering a community of holistic wellbeing.
Mission
We provide advice and support to empower anyone in our local communities experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Vision
We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. We create services where people are recognised, valued and supported.
Values
- Selflessness
We will act in the best interests of the people we support.
- Integrity
We will be principled in our work.
- Objectivity
We will act and take decisions impartially and fairly, without discrimination or bias.
- Accountability
We will take responsibility for what we do and how we do it.
- Openness
We will work and take decisions in an open and transparent manner.
- Honesty
We will be truthful and reliable.
- Leadership
We will model Swindon & Gloucestershire Minds values and lead by example in demonstrating organisational behaviours.
Senior Leadership Team
Meet the visionary Senior Leadership Team who are steering the course at S&G Mind – a dynamic team comprising seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in mental health, business strategy, and innovation.
Hazel Howe
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Hazel is the visionary CEO of S&G Mind, with a distinguished background in cultural change, finance, leadership and management alongside mental health care and system transformation. Renowned for strategic leadership, Hazel propelled S&G Mind to success, marked by the growth of mental health services across Swindon and Gloucestershire.
Hazel fosters a culture of excellence and support, driving operational efficiency and embodying a commitment to S&G Mind’s mission of ‘providing advice and support to empower anyone in our local communities experiencing a mental health problem’. Hazel is a true advocate for mental health and her commitment showcases a holistic approach to success. Through unwavering dedication to excellence and responsibility, Hazel continues to guide S&G Mind to new heights in the mental health care sector.
Jodie Smith
Director
Jodie joined S&G Mind in October 2015, starting as a Wellbeing Coordinator on the frontline. Jodie has been instrumental in overseeing various services, leveraging her deep understanding of mental health and wellbeing, backed by her degree in psychology. Her contributions have significantly enhanced the quality and reach of S&G Mind’s offerings.
In addition to her operational expertise, Jodie recently achieved a CIPD qualification in HR, which has enabled her to support the organisation’s staff development and training. Her efforts have fostered a positive and productive workplace culture, making a substantial impact on day-to-day operations. Jodie’s journey from a frontline coordinator to a senior leadership role highlights her commitment to mental health and her ability to drive positive change within S&G Mind.
Ieuan Edwards
Director
Originally from South Wales, Ieuan has called Gloucestershire home since 2011. He holds a BSc (Hons) in English Literature & Psychology and an MSc in Clinical Psychology. With extensive frontline experience, he has supported both children and adults with mental health needs across education, housing, the NHS, research, and third-sector services. He also holds CMI leadership certifications, reflecting his experience in guiding teams and building effective partnerships.
Ieuan is focused on bringing statutory and non-statutory providers together, ensuring pathways are better connected and responsive to local needs. He places a strong emphasis on quality and accountability, using data and evidence to shape services that are accessible, effective, and tailored to the population. At S&G Mind, he leads work to strengthen and integrate mental health support across Gloucestershire, supports service developments in Swindon, and builds the organisation’s core infrastructure so that services remain timely, coordinated, and high-quality. Away from work, he enjoys time in the countryside with his family and their corgi, Ralph.
Michelle Di Lella
Director
Michelle was appointed Acting Director of S&G Mind in August 2023 before taking on the substantive Director role in 2024. Michelle first joined the organisation in 2016 as a Recovery Coordinator before progressing to Service Lead and later Service Manager. She began her career in mental health as a volunteer with Samaritans and has always been inspired by the power of conversation and the importance of meaningful relationships, whether with people accessing services or with key stakeholders.
Michelle holds a BSc (Hons) in Sociology and is a qualified counsellor. She has extensive experience across the third sector, statutory services, and educational settings.
As Director, Michelle is committed to advancing the development and innovation of mental health services, with a focus on improving access and inclusivity through partnership working. Michelle prides herself on strategic leadership, creativity, and dedication to strengthening services that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
Board of Trustees
Discover the driving force behind S&G Mind’s commitment to excellence – our dedicated trustees, a collective of individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, united in their passion for advancing mental health initiatives.
Ben Hodgson
Chair
Ben assumed the role of Trustee at S&G Mind in January 2023 and is the Chair of the Board at Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind. Ben helps to guide the charity’s strategic direction and ensure our work stays rooted in the needs of he community. Ben brings a mix of professional experience in operations and finance alongside his own lived experience of mental health. Ben is passionate about creating spaces where people feel truly heard and supported and focuses on building strong relationships, encouraging innovation and keeping the voices of whose who we serve at the heart of every decision we make.
Jo Denney
Trustee
Jo joined the board of Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind as a trustee in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience from a long career in mental health services. A retired Occupational Therapist, Jo has worked across the UK, including in the North West, Scotland, and Gloucestershire, where she joined local services in 1996.
Her passion lies in building mental health support systems that empower individuals and those close to them – helping create lasting networks of recovery, hope, and personal growth. Jo was drawn to Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind’s creative and collaborative approach to mental health, valuing its commitment to offering flexible, person-centred options at every stage of recovery.
Now in her third year as a trustee, Jo says the most rewarding part of the role is hearing real-life stories of people who’ve turned things around, reconnected with life, or discovered new paths forward – though she admits the Christmas Party is a highlight too!
Amy Alexander
Trustee
Amy qualified as a social worker in 2010 and has worked predominantly within mental health settings since 2005. Amy has a long history within Gloucestershire Health and Care NHSFT (previously 2gether NHSFT) and progressed from a Community Support Worker through to Deputy Service Director for Mental Health and Learning Disability Inpatient units in 2021. More recently, Amy has been working as a mental health commissioner for several Local Authorities in the South West whilst undertaking a Masters in Law which she completed in January 2024. Amy also guest lectures at the University of Gloucestershire on the social work programmes.