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ABOUT US

Our Trustees

Meet the dedicated trustees championing collaboration and progress across our local mental health community. Through their leadership and commitment, they help shape our direction, strengthen services, and support a more connected sector across Northamptonshire.
Sarah Hillier - Chair

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2022, Sarah is MHNC’s elected Chair and the CEO of Northamptonshire Mind – one of our member organisations supporting communities across the county.

She brings over a decade of senior leadership experience across the voluntary sector, including as CEO of NorPip and Regional Manager at Spurgeons. A passionate advocate for early intervention, collaboration and system-wide learning, Sarah also leads the Mental Health Thematic, bringing together partners to share insight, strengthen partnerships and champion the role of the sector in improving mental health outcomes locally.

As Chair, she champions MHNC’s collaborative mission and brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing communities and the organisations that support them.

Vice Chair

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2023, Mark is also Chief Executive of Spectrum Northants, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs across West Northamptonshire.

He brings extensive leadership experience from previous CEO roles at Vale Plus and Community Action Dacorum, where he oversaw significant organisational growth and impact. Mark has a strong background in charity development, community engagement, project development, and public sector service delivery. He also brings experience in European collaboration, transnational projects, and has contributed as a speaker and trainer.

As Vice Chair, he supports MHNC’s strategic direction and governance and brings valuable insight from over two decades of voluntary sector leadership.

Steven Behan - Treasurer

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2021, Steve is a highly experienced senior manager and director with extensive expertise in finance and operations across community housing, care services, distribution, and retail sectors.

He brings strong commercial skills in leadership, cost control, negotiation, and stakeholder management, developed through senior roles in both large organisations and SMEs. Steve approaches challenges with determination and a focus on delivering results.

As the charity’s Treasurer, Steve provides strategic financial oversight and guidance to support MHNC’s mission and governance.

Rachael Lewis - Trustee

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2022, Rachael brings a wealth of experience from leadership roles in the NHS, public sector and health charities.

Rachael has held leadership roles in the NHS, public sector and health charities; delivering programmes to drive improvements in physical and mental health at local, regional and national level. Key skills include research, service development, quality assessment and improvement and patient and public involvement.

Her insight and strategic perspective help shape our direction and ensure we remain focused on improving outcomes for the communities we serve.

Cheslea Buswell – Trustee

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2025, Chelsea is a counsellor with a huge passion for supporting people’s mental health and wellbeing. She specialises in working with children and young people and has experience in both the charity and education sector.

She is a strong believer in collaboration across professionals and services to ensure the best outcomes for service users. Her frontline experience and commitment to mental health support bring valuable perspective to the board, particularly around the needs of younger service users and cross-sector working.

Emma Smith - Trustee

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2022, Emma is a senior NHS leader with a background in mental health, dementia care and service transformation. As a trustee, she brings a strategic focus on system integration, early intervention and community-led support.

Emma is passionate about reducing health inequalities and ensuring people can access timely, compassionate care. Her experience across the health and voluntary sectors helps shape joined-up approaches that put people at the centre of services.

Dominic Cox – Trustee

Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2025, Dominic has over 30 years’ NHS experience, including 13 years at executive/board level across provider, regional and commissioner roles delivering mental health, learning disabilities, community, primary care and acute services.

He has strong skills in aligning stakeholder perspectives, executing strategy and delivering transformational change through partnerships.

Dominic is keen to bring his transferable skills to improve mental health and wellbeing locally across Northamptonshire, committing the next stage of his career to the charity sector.

NEED HELP NOW?
If you are concerned about an immediate risk of harm, either to yourself or someone else, please phone 999.

If you need mental health help you can call our navigators on 0800 448 0828. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for urgent mental health support.

If you want a safe space to talk to a professional mental health worker, we run regular Crisis Cafes at various locations around the county. There will be someone there who can offer you help. There is no need to call, just drop in to find a safe place with hope and comfort and find your pathway to recovery.

“You are not alone. You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone.”

Shonda Rhimes

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