Mental health charity Mates in Mind appoints new chair

Workplace mental health charity Mates in Mind has appointed Nicola Hodkinson as chair as the organisation continues its work supporting mental wellbeing across high-risk industries.

Nicola, owner and director of Bolton-based construction company Seddon, has served as a trustee of the charity for the past five years and succeeds Kevin Myers in the role.

Mates in Mind works with organisations across sectors including construction, transport and logistics to improve workplace mental health through awareness, training and practical support programmes.

Nicola has been a longstanding advocate for mental health support within the construction industry, leading initiatives at Seddon including “Jordan’s Conversation” and the company’s partnership with Mates in Mind on its Champions Programme.

Nicola said: “Having seen first-hand the impact workplace culture can have on mental health, I joined Mates in Mind as a trustee five years ago because I knew our industry was not doing enough. 

“Poor wellbeing and suicide are wider societal issues, but in construction, those challenges can be amplified by the nature of the work.

“What Kevin and Steve have built is incredibly powerful, helping turn Mates in Mind from a visionary concept into an organisation driving real, life-saving change.

“Awareness matters, but it is not enough on its own. 

“We need to work with the sector to better understand the causes of poor mental health and suicide in construction, and scale practical interventions that help prevent people from reaching crisis point.”

Samantha Downie, managing director of Mates in Mind, added: “We are pleased to welcome Nicola as chair of Mates in Mind. 

“She brings deep sector knowledge, first-hand experience and a clear commitment to turning awareness into practical action.

“Her work with Seddon, including the Champions Programme, shows the difference that committed leadership can make across construction and supply chains, and how that learning can be adapted across other sectors.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to Kevin and Steve, whose leadership has helped establish Mates in Mind as an organisation driving much-needed systemic change in workplace mental health.”

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