Dorset Mind announces NEW young Trustee

Dorset Mind’s Board of Trustees bring insight and expertise from their professional experience to support the strategic direction of the charity. There are currently 11 Trustees. Their backgrounds include senior roles within the NHS, business owners, city analysts and participant involvement. Several Trustees have first-hand experience of mental health, or living with someone who has poor mental wellbeing. 

After being diagnosed with Asperger’s aged 7, alongside associated mental health disorders including clinical depression, anxiety, and psychosis; Calvin became passionate about advocating for the mental health of young people like himself in his home county of Dorset.   

Young people

Calvin’s work with Dorset Mind began in March 2016 when he was invited to join the charity as a Young Ambassador, after the charity’s former CEO heard him speak at a mental health event. In his initial involvement with the charity, Calvin supported the design and development of Dorset Mind’s Young People’s Service – known then as Dorset Mind Your Head.  

Since joining Dorset Mind, Calvin has organised numerous fundraising events and campaigns, as well as attended many events on Dorset Mind’s behalf. Calvin has also represented Dorset Mind as an advocate for mental health, raising awareness face-to-face and online to various audiences including TV, Radio, and Press interviews. 

Fundraising 

Calvin is currently studying for a BA Hons in Performing Arts at the London College of Music. Several of Calvin’s fundraisers have been music-based, which he believes brings communities together. During Mental Health Awareness Week (15-21st May 2023) Calvin hosted Music & Mindfulness Sessions in the Dolphin, Poole, for all ages to attend – for the second year running. 

In addition, to supporting Dorset Mind, Calvin also promotes good mental health at his university as a Student Union Wellbeing officer, an Ambassador for Student Minds, and a volunteer for the Anna Kennedy Autism Charity.  

Calvin said, “It’s an honour and privilege to join the Board of Trustees at Dorset Mind. It means a lot that Dorset Mind are continuing to listen to and take on board the views of young people like me – and I look forward to offering this perspective at Board level. From when I joined Dorset Mind as a volunteer in 2016 to now, the charity has grown immensely, and achieved so much – I look forward to what it will achieve in the future.” 

Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron, and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University said, “I am delighted to see that Calvin has been appointed as Trustee for Dorset Mind. He has been an inspirational Ambassador for several years. We need younger voices on the Trustee Board, who can help us shape services for many years to come. Calvin will bring a great deal of experience and passion to this role. It’s exceptionally good news indeed.” 

Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind’s CEO, adds, “We’re delighted to see the natural progression of Calvin’s relationship with the charity. Calvin will be fundamental in providing support to the charity, bringing his youth, and lived experience to the table. We’re excited for this new chapter for Calvin, and we are grateful for his continued support through the role of Trustee.” 

Dorset Mind has over 75 years’ experience supporting Dorset’s mental health. They connect and change minds, work to create active partnerships that bring people together to make genuine change within their communities.

The charity’s support

The charity speaks out to ensure access to mental health support in Dorset is inclusive and appropriate and to tackle the stigma around it. They deliver life-changing support that inspires people to live mentally healthy. Their 1-2-1 and group services for adults and young people includes active monitoring, mentoring, wellbeing support groups, and alternative social prescription solutions that all prevent mental health worsening and help people recover and maintain wellbeing. 

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available throughout the charity. 

Find out more at: dorsetmind.uk. 

The charity’s vital services cannot be delivered without the dedicated support of the community and local business communities. Donate here.