Catherine Hogan | Our Trustees

Catherine's values and experience

What skills and experience do you bring to your Trustee role?

I have experience of working within the third sector through working cross-organisationally at a large mental health charity, whilst studying Business Management (Social Change) at university, and experience volunteering with youth charities.

I bring to the Board an ambition to improve young people’s mental health, and willing to share my own lived experience to help make a difference and empathise with other young people struggling with their mental health.

Which of our values do you relate to most, and why do you think it’s an important value for us?

I relate most to 'we’re not afraid to speak up for what’s right.'

I’m really passionate about creating an inclusive space for young people and people with lived experience of mental health conditions to participate meaningfully, and amplify our voices within decision making.

What do you do to switch off and take care of your mental health?

Going for walks in nature, spending time with my friends, being creative and cuddling my cat.

We celebrate what makes you, you. What six words describe you best?

Compassionate
Kind
Conscientious
Passionate
Advocate
Caring

Meet more of our Trustees

Find out more about our Trustees and their role at YoungMinds

Our Board is made up of 12 amazing volunteers who bring a huge commitment to our cause, some with own and family lived experiences of mental health needs, as well as a wealth and diversity of experiences and skills. They expertly oversee the charity under the leadership of Caroline Hope, our Chair of the Board.

The role of trustees is to share their knowledge, skills and expertise, as well as give up some of their time unpaid as volunteers, to help us achieve our mission: to make sure all young people get the mental health support they need when they need it, no matter what.

They help us to enhance our three main strategic programmes:

Never alone: Helping young people to look after their own mental health.
Someone to turn to: Making sure young people have adults around them who can really help.
Powerful young voices: Building a youth-led movement to make sure mental health support is there for anyone that needs it.

Our Trustees oversee everything we do, from setting our strategy to being responsible for our work and finances, in line with the key duties as set out by the Charity Commission. They empower our CEO and Senior Leadership Team to take responsibility for the day-to-day running of YoungMinds, but they are the final decision-makers with ultimate responsibility for our success or failure. The Board are supported by the Senior Leadership Team, our wider Leadership Group and our Youth Panel; a group of 14 young people directly involved in our governance and strategy.