Due to the sudden and heart breaking loss of Muriel Gordon, the staff at Newton Aycliffe MIND have changed. Muriel was a fantastic leader and was loved and respected by everyone she met. She was passionate about her work at MIND and kept them going through the most challenging times, leading the organisation with determination and stubbornness at times. She will be greatly missed by all of us here but her spirit will always remain.
Vicki Lawrence new Chief Executive Officer was born and has lived in Newton Aycliffe all her life. She attended Darlington College of Technology studying health and social care. She worked at Aycliffe Hospital from the age of 18 until it closed. “I have worked at MIND for 14 years as Assistant Manager in which time have completed many courses including alternative therapies, advanced management, mental health first aid, leadership development and Assist. My plan is to steer our organisation onwards and upwards extending current services and applying new ones. This means we will be disaffiliating from National MIND and running independently under our new name “The Hub Of Wishes”. We will be re-launching on the 1st October 2015.
Joanne Howe has been employed as AEO, also from Newton Aycliffe, and been with MIND for 10 years. She originally was on placement from Bishop Auckland College, and decided to further her learning completing her degree in health and social care at Sunderland University while volunteering at MIND. She became secretary and worked tirelessly fundraising and promoting the service. Joanne went on to do her Masters degree in Social Science specialising in Mental Health. Joanne has gained so much knowledge and experience working in Mental Health she will be an asset to the organisation.
Vicky Lawrence (left) with Joanne Howe
