Humankind Charity, which supports people with complex needs including substance abuse issues, and mental health care provider Richmond Fellowship have announced they are to merge.

The combined income of both charities in the financial year ending March 2022 was £118.71m.

Humankind’s income for that year was £70.8m and its spending was £69m. Meanwhile the income of the Richmond Fellowship, whose group of companies operates under the brand name Recovery Focus, was £47.9m and its expenditure was £45.8m.

As of the end of March 2022 Humankind employed 1,474 people, while Richmond’s headcount was 1,175.

The merger “builds on the rich heritage of two charities that share values, ambitions and decades of experience supporting people with substance use, mental health, housing and associated needs”, according to a statement.

The merged charity will be led by Humankind’s chief executive Paul Townsley, meanwhile Richmond Fellowship’s CEO Derek Caren will be retiring in early 2024.

“From the very start of my career it’s been clear that drug and alcohol, housing and mental health support need to be brought closer together and work better for the communities we support,” said Townsley.

“That’s why I am so excited about this new chapter for both organisations. This merger creates a unique opportunity to develop new, broader service models, invest more in our people, and use our shared experience and insights to influence policy and practice across the sector.”

Caren added: “Our organisations have a lot in common. We share a heartfelt belief that everyone should have a fair chance to live a life they value, and since our inception in 1959, Richmond Fellowship has worked hard to make recovery a reality for all.

“Joining forces with Humankind will allow us to break down some of the barriers that stop people getting the support they need and allow us to offer innovative, integrated services to more people across England.”

Recovery Focus chair Carolyn Regan will chair of the board of the new organisation, while Humankind chair Caroline Gitsham will be vice chair

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