Our managers

Kerrin Page

Chief Executive Officer

Our mission is to make sure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. “In essence, I work on behalf of our trustees to deliver that mission,” says Kerrin. “And to ensure we are a well run, safe and aspirational organisation. That involves building a strategy, moving forward and planning for the future.” Kerrin assumed his current role in 2023 after seven years as deputy CEO. Before that he was a senior manager in the probation service. “The most rewarding part of my job now is seeing how our services can make a change. You know, really seeing the value that West Sussex Mind brings to the local area, and the positive impact it has on the community.” In his spare time, Kerrin enjoys walking, reading and gaming – and is also kept busy by his two children.

Kate Scales

Deputy CEO

“I get really excited about supporting our teams to develop solutions to meet local needs,” says Kate, who joined West Sussex Mind in 2020. “Even in that time, I've seen how we've been able to respond, make changes and deliver services to communities that might not have been accessing them before.” Kate manages the service managers that support some of our frontline teams and helps them to improve the range and reach of the services they provide. She is also responsible for building partnerships with other organisations and takes a lead on equality, diversity and inclusion. Alongside her work Kate has a passion for nature. “I like camping and I love gardening. Being surrounded by nature is what really drives me and it also supports my own mental wellbeing.”

Leanne Challen

Head of Mental Health Services

Leanne worked for a national charity before joining West Sussex Mind in 2023 to fill a brand new role on the senior management team. She oversees our crisis prevention, Pathfinder and older people services. Having grown up in Sussex, Leanne is keen to play a part in the community mental health transformation programme. “Working for an organisation that addresses the stigma of mental health is quite important to me,” she says. “I feel like it doesn't get given the same importance as physical health. I know it's improving, but it feels like there’s a disparity.” Leanne herself has found a way to balance both: “I find swimming is very good for my mental health. I know it's not always easy, but just taking that time each day to do something for yourself is really important.”

Mandy Middleton

Finance and Resources Manager

Mandy oversees our finances and keeps our systems and processes relevant to our growing needs. She joined us in 2011 after a career in banking and customer service. “I've seen an awful lot of change,” she says. “Our size means we can react to the needs of the community. There's never a dull moment. I think it's partly why I enjoy the job because no two days are ever the same.” Mandy also provides stakeholders with high-quality financial reporting which ultimately ensures the efficient use of the funds we receive. “Basically, if I can make the money go as far as possible, we can support more people. That and the people I work with are just wonderful.” Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, riding her bike and being outdoors.

Kim Anthony

Head of Children, Young People and Family Services

A former primary school teacher, Kim joined us in 2019 after seeing how prevalent mental health challenges were becoming in schools. She now manages four separate services for parents, children and young people in various areas across West Sussex. These are geared around equipping people with tools and strategies for better managing mental health. Kim oversees recruitment, development and commissioning as well as supporting the staff who deliver the services face to face. “I love working at West Sussex Mind because of its values and the general environment,” says Kim. “That’s what drives me. Supporting people to have the best start they can in a world that’s really challenging and in an education system that's really overstretched. It’s great to work with people who are led by the desire to improve the communities we're living in.”

Vikki Turpin

Pathfinder and Emotional Wellbeing Services Manager for Southwick

Having previously worked as a mental and physical health lead supporting people with severe mental illness, Vikki joined West Sussex Mind in 2023. She manages our adult mental health services in Adur, the Emotional Wellbeing Service in GP surgeries and our Enhanced Community Rehabilitation Service, which is delivered with Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Vikki enjoys supporting her team to provide excellent, compassionate and goal-focused interventions to improve wellbeing. Vikki says: "I’m proud to help empower people to better understand and manage their mental health and move forward on their recovery journey. We aim to provide a warm, caring and inclusive space in which people can gain genuine insight into their mental health." Vikki loves spending time with family and friends, walking on the beach with her dog, as well as yoga and singing.

Jo Bulis

Communities in Mind Service Manager for Chichester, Arun and Adur

“I like getting the best from people and helping them to do wonderful things for others,” says Jo. She manages a small team that provides services for older people who may be feeling isolated or lonely. She is involved at all levels making sure service users are listened to and staff and volunteers are supported. With a background in drama and performance, Jo became a manager at West Sussex Mind in 2015 after working for the Alzheimer's Society. “There’s nothing nicer than seeing a room full of people laughing and chatting,” she says, referring to the group sessions her team runs for people aged 65+. “That's what I really love to see, that they trust us and feel supported.” Outside of work Jo enjoys bringing people together by performing in her local choir.

Adam Howell

Pathfinder and Emotional Wellbeing Services Manager for Worthing

Our Emotional Wellbeing Service is based in GP surgeries where our Mental Health Support Coordinators can spend a longer time with patients than a GP is able to. Adam oversaw the initial stages of this service before it was rolled out across all of Sussex. He also manages the Pathfinder adult mental health services in Worthing. Adam joined us in 2016 after working for different local Minds in other parts of the country. “The thing that I really enjoy is the support and belief that West Sussex Mind has shown me in terms of my own development,” he says. “The organisation seems to genuinely care about the staff”. Adam also runs a weekly pub quiz in Worthing and can often be seen walking his dog on the beach or up on the Downs.

Toni Holloway

Pathfinder and Communities in Mind Services Manager for Chanctonbury and Midhurst

Toni came to West Sussex Mind in 2003 with a background in social work and holistic therapies. She manages our Pathfinder and Emotional Well-being services covering the countryside north of Chichester and south of Horsham. She’s also the manager of our Communities in Mind service for older people living in those areas. “I love working in rural communities,” she says. “It’s all about getting to know the needs of the community and building partnerships with other organisations. The challenge is that you've got quite a diverse population, so we’re trying to create services that are flexible, responsive and accessible across a wide geographical patch.” When she’s not outdoors in nature, Toni can be found performing in her local theatre or cuddling up with her pet bearded dragon.

Charlotte Dawber

Training Manager

Charlotte runs a small team that delivers training opportunities for local organisations and people in the community. These courses are designed to equip people with the skills and knowledge to help others with their mental health. “It gives them confidence to have those conversations,” says Charlotte. “And you can see the difference it makes. Sometimes it's saving lives. We've had people from our suicide prevention courses say to us that the next day they needed to have that conversation with somebody. And without that training that person might not be here.” Charlotte joined West Sussex Mind in 2017 after working in public sector management learning and development. When she can, she likes to stay active, be it through cycling, kayaking, walking or sailing. She also has two cats and a pony.

Jenny Thorne

Staying Well Service Manager

Staying Well is an out-of-hours crisis prevention service which offers a safe space for people who feel that they might experience a mental health crisis without extra support. Crucially, it’s open during evenings and weekends when other services aren't available. Jenny manages the service and runs a team of mental health and peer support workers at the Staying Well building in central Worthing. She started at West Sussex Mind in a different role in 2019 after working for a local autism charity. “The Staying Well team are lovely to work with, which is great,” says Jenny. “And sometimes we're working with people who are really struggling or having a difficult time, and then we are able to get them back on track or get them into slightly better space. That's always really nice to see.”

Ruby Carmichael

Communities and Inclusion Manager

Ruby joined West Sussex Mind in Autumn 2024. She has a background in teaching and joined us after a stint managing a peer support service for parents. Her role includes reaching out and making connections with our local community, supporting our EDI co-production panel and working group, listening and responding to feedback to make our services more inclusive and working to break down barriers and stigma.

She says, "It doesn't matter who you are or what your background is, mental health problems can impact us all. For some it might be harder to access support than it should. I am passionate about our services being as inclusive as possible."

For her own wellbeing, Ruby enjoys being in nature, spending time with loved ones and live music.

Rebecca Potter

Help Point, Social Support and Communities in Mind Services Manager

Rebecca joined West Sussex Mind in late 2023 with a background in mental health – operational leadership, transformational change and project management. At West Sussex Mind she manages three separate services - social activities, our older people's service, Communities in Mind and our Help Point - across various areas within West Sussex.
Rebecca loves working for a local charity. She says, "It really supports my well-being to be so connected to West Sussex Mind. I live where I work so get to see the impact of what we do first hand, which is so rewarding." Rebecca loves swimming, being outdoors, watching films and cooking in her spare time.

Will Newman

Pathfinder, Emotional Wellbeing Service, Peer Welfare and Peer Hub Services Manager for Littlehampton

When Will started working for us in 2019 he brought with him over 30 years of experience in health and social care from previous jobs in the NHS, WSCC and charity sector. His current role is as varied as his background. He now manages four different adult mental health services in Littlehampton, ensuring we meet the needs of communities and individuals in the area. Will supports his team while exploring new solutions to make our services as accessible as possible. He also enjoys learning from the people who access them. “You do get a sense of the difference that we’re making in Littlehampton,” he says. “People tell us that they find it really useful to connect with others through our services, and to learn new skills. Really, it’s about improving the well-being of the community.”

Sue Smith

Fundraising and Communications Manager

Sue has over 25 years’ experience in fundraising and communications. She loves working in the charity sector, being able to make a real difference to people’s lives.  “Empowering our communities to receive help and support with mental health issues is very important to me. I know so many people who have experienced a mental health issue at some point in their life and I know there is not sufficient help out there. Anything I can do to alleviate this issue and help someone on their journey is so rewarding.”

Sue and the teams she works with will be responsible for delivering on an exciting fundraising strategy to support our income challenges, as well as overseeing communications for West Sussex Mind over various platforms, making sure we reach all the right audiences with the right messages. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and visiting the beautiful seafront and countryside around West Sussex.