Michael's Story: 25 Lancashire Minds

Michael’s Story

“We’ve made a difference, but there’s so much more to do.”

Michael Jameson, Chair of Trustees at Lancashire Mind, reflects on growth, impact, and the charity’s next 25 years.

“I was born and raised in Lancashire, it’s my home. I still live here, and I wanted to put something back at a local level.”

For Michael Jameson, becoming Chair of Trustees at Lancashire Mind was both a personal and professional decision. After a long career in leadership and governance roles, he was looking for a way to make a meaningful contribution in retirement – and found it through the opportunity to join Lancashire Mind’s Board.

“I’d been a trustee and non-executive director in other organisations during my working life, but this felt different. I was impressed by what Lancashire Mind stood for, particularly in raising awareness of mental health and supporting people to build resilience and develop good coping strategies.”

A charity that’s growing and thriving.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved – and when I say we, I mean everyone involved in Lancashire Mind: the staff, the volunteers, our business community, our partnerships and the Board of Trustees.”

Over the last four years, Michael has seen the charity go from strength to strength, even in challenging times.

“We’ve seen quite incredible growth. We offer a wider range of services, we reach more communities, (adults, children and young people) and we’ve improved the quality of what we deliver. That’s been recognised through inspections and awards.”

It’s the impact on real people that matters most to him.

“One moment that stayed with me was during a Mental Elf run. A young mum said to me, ‘Five or six years ago, your service saved my life. If it wasn’t for you, me and my daughter wouldn’t be here.’ That’s the difference we’re making.”

What it means to be Chair.

“I feel privileged to be Chair of Trustees. My role is to ensure we have a strong, diverse board with people who bring their skills, passion and commitment to support our mission.”

Michael is proud of the collaborative relationship between the Board and the charity’s leadership. “We work very closely with the Chief Exec and senior management team. Our job is to guide, advise and provide strategic direction – and to make sure we’re working well together to deliver the best outcomes for Lancashire.”

Why our work matters now more than ever

“Poor mental health doesn’t just affect the individual, it affects families, relationships, productivity, self-esteem. Everything.”

Drawing on both professional insight and personal experience, Michael sees the urgent need for support across the county. “Suicide rates in Lancashire are among the highest in the country. We’re getting more referrals from schools, children and young people and adults alike. Poverty, isolation, the effects of social media – all of it contributes to a growing demand for services.”

“I’d love to say we won’t need to exist in 25 years, but the reality is we will. That’s why we need to keep growing, keep strengthening what we offer, and never be complacent.”

Looking ahead: The next 25 years

“We’ve made terrific progress, but there’s still a long way to go. We need to build on our solid base and sustain the impact we’ve made.”

For Michael, the charity’s mission is clear and still evolving. “No matter how our language or strategy might change, the core themes of Connecting Minds, Supporting Minds and Changing Minds will remain at the heart of everything we do.”

“Being a trustee is about using your experience to help a local organisation thrive. But it’s also about those moments where someone tells you, unprompted, ‘You made a difference.’ That’s why I do it.”