Woking Mind elects Will Forster

as their new President

Woking Mind were pleased to elect their new president, Will Forster, former Mayor of Woking, at their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 12th June 2019. Will takes over from David Rye, who was thanked for his passion and commitment to Woking Mind over the years, in which he held the positions of President and Chair of the Trustee Board.

The Mayor of Woking, Cllr Beryl Hunwicks was also present at the AGM and was joined by trustees and service members to cut the birthday cake to commemorate 40 years of Woking Mind working in the local community.

Talking about his new role, Will Forster said “I am delighted to have been chosen as President of Woking Mind as they commemorate 40 years. I am passionate about supporting those suffering from poor mental health and I hope I can use my experience as a former Mayor and current Councillor to benefit Woking Mind.

Mental health services suffer from underfunding and lag behind in comparison to treatment for physical health problems, yet one in four people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year. Mental health is sadly the Cinderella service of our NHS, which is why the work that Woking Mind does is vital to support residents and top-up NHS services.”

Pauline Rogers, Chair of Trustees, Woking Mind said: “We are thrilled that Will Forster is the new President of Woking Mind. I believe he will be an excellent ambassador for the charity.”

Woking Mind was founded in 1979 to support the needs of people living with enduring mental health illnesses. At the time, it was recognised that many vulnerable people struggling with their mental health were finding themselves socially excluded and isolated with no opportunity to access meaningful activity to help them integrate back into their local community. 40 years on, Woking Mind delivers an extensive range of groups, courses and drop-in provision to help prevent mental health problems from escalating where possible and supporting recovery for their members. They also deliver mental health training across Surrey to raise awareness and help break down stigma and prejudice around ill mental health through education.

The AGM also saw the re-election of Pauline Rogers as Chair of Trustees, John Ennett as Treasurer and Carl Rogers as Trustee. The board welcomed Elle Wilks, former Chief Executive of Woking Mind, who was elected to the board as trustee.