Leadership Transition Marks New Chapter for Local Mental Health Charity

Bradford District and Craven Mind reflects on eight years of growth and change

Bradford District and Craven Mind (BDC Mind), a mental health charity serving the Bradford and Craven areas, is preparing for a significant leadership change as Chief Executive Officer Helen Davey announces her planned departure in July 2026. Ms Davey has led the organisation since 2017, overseeing considerable expansion and development of services.

Helen Davey’s tenure and organisational growth

When Helen Davey became CEO in 2017, the charity operated with 30 staff members, 20 volunteers, and six services focused on supporting adults with mental health and wellbeing needs. Over the following years, the organisation expanded substantially. By 2019-21, it was supporting more than 2,500 people through over 21,000 meaningful contacts.

Currently, BDC Mind employs over 140 staff and 80 volunteers, providing more than 20 services and programmes for people of all ages. The charity’s latest impact report for 2024-25 shows it supported 18,541 adults, children, and young people through 61,585 meaningful contacts, marking its largest reach to date.

Key milestones since 2017

• 2018: Relocation to Kenburgh House on Manor Row to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming environment.
• 2019: Introduction of support through GP Practices with the Enhanced Access service, including help for people with severe mental illness to access annual physical health checks. The charity also received three National Mind Excellence Award nominations.
• 2020: Launch of the first dedicated service for children and young people, Know Your Mind, offering one-to-one and group support. Services moved online and to phone support in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021: Became lead provider for the Youth in Mind programme, supporting nearly 3,000 young people in its first year.
• 2022: Launch of Safe Spaces, a crisis support service jointly led with The Cellar Trust, supporting over 1,800 people in its first year.
• 2023: Partnership with Bradford District Care Trust to support hospital discharge patients through Personal Health Budgets. Redevelopment of the Healthy Minds brand and website to improve access to mental health information.
• 2024: Name change from Mind in Bradford to Bradford District and Craven Mind to better reflect the wider community served. Introduction of a new four-year strategy recognised by national Mind. Launch of Hope and Light programme supporting ethnically and culturally diverse communities.
• 2025: Collaboration with Bradford 2025 City of Culture projects to raise mental health awareness and support people with severe mental illness to access cultural events.

Looking ahead: New leadership and future plans

In December 2025, Hannah Workman joined BDC Mind as Chair of Trustees. Ms Workman expressed her commitment to the organisation during a time of strategic development and changing NHS and government priorities.

Under the leadership of the new Chair and the incoming CEO, BDC Mind plans to continue adapting to system changes and delivering mental health support tailored to the needs of the local population.

CEO vacancy

The charity is currently recruiting for a new Chief Executive Officer, with applications closing on 2 February 2026. The role requires leadership skills to guide BDC Mind through future challenges and opportunities, ensuring it remains a sustainable and resilient organisation.

More information about the vacancy can be found on the charity’s website: https://www.bdcmind.org.uk/vacancies/