The Board of Mental Health Reform (MHR) is delighted to welcome Helen Gillespie Brown as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the coalition.
Helen has over 25 years’ experience in social policy, mental health, and international development across the public, non-profit, and global sectors. Most recently, she served as a Mental Health Consultant for a Scottish Government funded initiative ’Think Positive’ supporting student mental health across Scottish colleges and universities.
Helen’s career encompasses a range of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer of Visualise Scotland, a charity supporting housing and day services for adults with disabilities and Head of Volunteering at The Prince’s Trust, where she developed mentoring programmes for care experienced young people.
Helen Gillespie Brown succeeds former CEO, Fiona Coyle, who made an immense contribution to Mental Health Reform. Both the staff and the Board wish Fiona every success as she takes on new challenges and opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairperson of Mental Health Reform, Dr Judith Malone said:
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Helen Gillespie Brown to Mental Health Reform as our new CEO. Helen brings a wealth of international experience in mental health, advocacy and human rights. We believe Helen’s expertise ideally equips her to guide the coalition with vision and leadership in the years ahead.”
Speaking about the appointment, Helen Gillespie Brown said: “I am extremely honoured to have been appointed as the CEO of Mental Health Reform. I look forward to working alongside the team, Board and our wider network to progress sustainable reform and improve access to mental health services in Ireland. It is a privilege and a responsibility to have been tasked with taking on this role. Mental Health Reform’s members deliver vital services and supports in the voluntary and community mental health sector. I am committed to working with the coalition to advocate for increased investment in the mental health system to ensure that everyone can access effective and inclusive mental health services and supports.”