Mental health comprises our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we feel, think and act. It also is a determinant of how we handle stress. Thus, it is very important at every stage of life.
People who have good health can still have underlying emotional problems and mental health problems. This can be caused by a physical imbalance in the brain, stress, family problems and stressful work/education can make it worse.
With an estimated 1 in 4 people experiencing some form of mental illness, it’s probable that you, or one of your loved ones, could be living with a mental health issue in silence.
Here at Unmasked Mental Health, our goal is simple, through our Hubs, Counselling Services and our Training provision, we want to provide safe, stable and regulated environments where people who are suffering from poor mental health can communicate with each other, get professional support and to educate employers and others on how to support people who may be struggling.
We are proud to partner with many other organisations within the communities we operate. Unmasked are a social prescriber service working in partnership with NHS England which means you can be referred to us for support directly from your GP.
Chair of the Board & Trustee
Andy is a Glaswegian who moved his family to Yorkshire 12 years ago. He discovered a set a values and a warmth from the people in Yorkshire which aligns with his personal values.
Having worked in Financial Services for over 25 years across a range of leadership roles he is keen to use his Finance, Risk, Data, and Leadership knowledge and experience to support UMH in achieve its vision to provide practical support to those facing mental health challenges in the local area.
He is acutely aware of the need for simple and straightforward interventions that offer practical support to individuals as they seek to cope with the increasingly challenging environment we all face these days, and recognises that mental health challenges are likely to touch everyone of us in some guise, personally or through family and friends.
He is passionate about the opportunity to strengthen and help Unmasked Mental Health grow and seek to support as many people as possible.
Chief Executive & Trustee
Mel is the Chief Executive of Unmasked Mental Health. Mel joined Unmasked as a Trustee and Director in 2022 after volunteering for the organisation for several years. In July 2023 Mel took on the role of Chief Executive to help driver the organisations growth.
In addition to this, Mel is Managing Director of Optimal HR & Optimal Recruitment Services. Mel has over 30 years’ experience in HR & Organisation Design and worked in both UK & global roles at Executive level before setting up her own Outsourcing business which has gone from strength to strength.
Over the last 10 years Mel has worked with Clients focused on transformational change or who are going through some form of significant challenge. She has extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions and integration programmes, business modelling & redesign (Organisation Design) and building or restructuring HR functions. Her sector experience includes Financial Services, Manufacturing & Engineering, Education, Retail, Transportation, Legal and Insurance Services and Social Housing to name a few.
Mel has a real passion for supporting people with poor mental health ensuring they have the right support in place to support their well-being and to educate employers on how to support their employees.
Trustee & Non-Executive Director
Declan was born in Calderdale and has two grown up daughters.
Having spent over 30 years as a Director in Sales and Marketing within the print industry, he is now a Business Consultant supporting organisations with their sales strategies.
Declan is passionate about bringing awareness to poor mental health and ensuring there is better support available at the point of need to those who are struggling.
Declan enjoys spending time with his daughters, playing golf and walking his two King Charles spaniels.
Trustee & Non-Executive Director
Jon is originally from South Wales moving with work some 25 years ago and currently living in the North West. Jon is married to a Barnsley lass so has a connection with Yorkshire and its people.
Jon has over 30 years experience working in Operational and front line roles in Financial Services across a range of leadership roles leading large teams across the UK.
Having been fortunate to work in businesses that put a strong emphasis on supporting its teams mental and physical health through practical support and having led scale operational teams with colleagues from 17 to 70 Jon is very aware that mental health challenges can touch anyone at any time and for many reasons and that timely support and a listening ear can make a real difference.
He is keen to support UMH in providing access to the provide practical support to those facing mental health challenges in the local area and maximising the availability of that support.
In his spare time Jon relaxes by spending time in nature, listening to music, and tending to his chickens
Trustee & Non-Executive Director
Helen has been involved with Unmasked for many years, referring some of her clients to the charity. With over 20 years working as a HR professional, she understands the impact of poor mental health and employers to understand mental health better.
Helen is married to Lee and has a daughter Millie. When she is not at work, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and socialising with family and friends.
Service Manager
I’m Gail, I have worked for over 20 years in the charity sector at both Home-Start Calderdale and Calderdale SmartMove. I have experience in finance and office management whilst fully supporting their charitable objectives. I have also spent a period of time working within the finance department at Calderdale Council. I am very passionate about the well-being of everyone and I feel honoured to be part of the team here at Unmasked Mental Health as their Service Manager.
Community Engagement Manager
Sharna was born in Australia and moved to Calderdale at a young age. She is a Recruitment Consultant and is known as a social butterfly given her charismatic, and gregarious character.
Sharna has been involved with mental health through supporting family and friend for many years and is very much aware of the demand for high quality services to support those suffering from poor mental health.
When not busy at work, Sharna can be found spending time with her partner, walking or socialising with friends.
Counselling Lead & NUCO Mental Health Trainer
I’m Lynsey, I’m the qualified NUCO Mental Health Trainer at Unmasked Mental Health.
I am a qualified counsellor who has life experience of poor mental health and coming out the other side. I am passionate about the support and hardwork required in the Mental Health world and seem to enhance my enthusiasm for my work with humour and good spirit.
I’m a down to earth soul, born and bred in Halifax and hoping to make a difference to those who access our services at Unmasked Mental Health.
Training Co-Ordinator
Profile coming soon
Qualified Counsellor
Profile coming soon
Unmasked Mental Health are a Charity based in Calderdale with the mission to provide support to people suffering with poor mental health at the point of need and in a way in which they want to be supported.
Our services are accessible to everyone, whether you’re an individual having a rough time, or if you’re an employer looking to give something back and look after your employee’s mental health and well-being.
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The more people we can reach, the more conversations we can start and the more lives we can save.