The Centre for Mental Health has announced that its interim chief executive Andy Bell is to take the role on a permanent basis.

Bell has been with the charity since 2002 and became its deputy chief executive in 2009.

Following the departure of the previous permanent, chief executive Sarah Hughes last year to take on the same role at the charity Mind, he took on her role on a temporary basis.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andy as the Centre’s new chief executive,” said the charity’s chair Sue Bailey.

“His compassion, humility and wisdom have not only won him the respect of the sector but have driven real change in mental health policy and practice. His incisive and courageous leadership will enable the centre to keep challenging policies, systems and society, so that everyone can have better mental health.”

As deputy chief executive Bell had worked on lobbying activities including heading the charity’s Local Authority Mental Health Challenge, which supported 100 local councillors to champion mental health services.

Bell added: “Centre for Mental Health has been challenging mental health inequalities for nearly four decades. We’ve got a lot more to do. With our outstanding team of dedicated staff, our brilliant trustees and our many friends and partners, we’re determined to bring down the barriers to mental health equality.

“Too many people’s mental health is put at risk by poverty, inequality, racism and discrimination. People living with mental health difficulties don’t always get the right support where and when they need it. We’ll keep working to change that and put social justice at the heart of mental health policy.”

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