Mind's Chair Ryan Campbell to receive CBE

We are very pleased to announce that Mind’s Chair Ryan Campbell has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to improving mental health provision in England and Wales.

Ryan has been a Mind Trustee for over a decade and Chair of Trustees for the last six years. He has overseen Mind’s governance at a watershed moment for awareness and understanding around mental health problems, during which time the charity has been able to bring mental health to public attention and onto the political agenda like never before.

Ryan said: “I truly believe that people who experience mental health problems (of whom I am one) and those around them have brought about one of the most significant and positive changes in our society in our generation, in terms of the acceptance and understanding of mental health problems and the support available. I have been part of that change, but a tiny part, a voice amongst millions. To be associated with that movement by this award is a deeply meaningful honour. But we are nowhere near done, we need to go much further for people with mental health problems to get the support and respect they (we) deserve and need. For me this award is a spur to keep going.”

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, congratulated Ryan saying: “We are so pleased that Ryan's work for mental health, in his role as Chair of Mind, has been recognised in this year's birthday honours. The last few years have seen huge changes in how society views mental health and Ryan has overseen Mind as we work to shape and respond to this. As someone who is open about his own experiences with mental health problems he embodies our values and inspires others to do the same. Ryan is stepping down as chair later this year, after six years at the helm, but his legacy will live on well into the future and we are hugely grateful for all that he has done and continues to do for Mind and for people affected by mental health problems.”