From 2000-2008 Neil Rodgers was Treasurer, Vice Chair and then Chair of Mental Health Media (MHM). MHM was a uniquely influential UK registered charity whose purpose was to give people a voice in the mental health field. It punched well above its weight.
Through a variety of training and support measures, MHM equipped anyone with something to say, or a vital story to tell, to use media effectively so that they could be heard more widely and influentially. Survivors and users of mental health services could learn how to be interviewed in print or broadcast media, how to create content for publication, or for posting or for broadcast, and how to run campaigns or make programs.
MHM also lobbied and influenced print, broadcast and online media to present mental health issues in a constructive and positive way. In an annual flagship event MHM ran the “Mental Health Media Awards”, a ceremony generously hosted by BAFTA on Piccadilly. This Oscars-style event drew attendance from many in the media world including writers, presenters, actors and journalists and was adjudicated by a panel of judges comprising heavyweight figures and talent from the creative industries.
MHM began life in the 1960s as the Mental Health Film Council and evolved through the TV, video and digital eras. By the mid-late 2000s it became clear that emerging austerity measures in the public and private sectors were making it hard for charities of MHM’s size to recover core costs and ‘maintaining the organisation infrastructure’ became a difficult challenge for a largely project-based funded charity.
After deliberation, it became clear that Neil’s task as Chair was to lead MHM’s distinguished team of Trustees to find a new physical form in which the work of MHM could continue, for MHM’s core purpose was not yet fulfilled and the cause was ongoing.
This task was achieved in 2008 through a merger with Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Mind offers information and advice to people with mental health problems, through a network of regional service organisations, and lobbies government and local authorities on their behalf. Mind also works to raise public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health. It was a natural place for MHM’s work to continue.
As part of the merger terms, Neil served a three-year term as a member of Mind’s Council of Management, ensuring the effective integration of MHM into its new home.