We believe no one should have to face a mental health issue alone…
We are South East and Central Essex Mind.
Hi, we are South East and Central Essex Mind, your local independent charity based in Southend. We are an independent charity and a ‘Local Mind’.
Local Minds like us are actually separate registered charities from National Mind, and while we have similar aims and values, we fulfil different roles. Money donated to National Mind does not help fund your local mental health services.
At SECE Mind we provide supported housing, counselling for both adults and children, mental health training and mental health signposting to anyone who needs it. We serve the Chelmsford, Castle Point, Rochford, South Woodham Ferrers and Southend areas helping support local people with their mental health and wellbeing needs.
We started in 1966 helping the residents of Southend and in 2012, we merged with Chelmsford Mind to become South East and Central Essex Mind.
SECE Mind is a UK registered charity. We have a Board of Trustees who oversee the running of the charity alongside our small but dedicated team of staff and kind volunteers.
There are over 100 Local Minds in the UK, each responsible for their own funding. We rely entirely on fundraising and your kind donations to help run our services and our work in the community. Every penny raised for SECE Mind helps us make a difference to people’s lives.
What services do we offer?
Supported Housing
Our supported housing service provides specialised accommodation to give a safe and stable environment for recovery from a mental health crisis. Once here, our team of expert staff can help to build confidence and develop life skills for independent living.
Counselling Services
We know how difficult it can be to cope with life challenges.
Our Counselling Services offer a safe and confidential place to help people have their thoughts heard in sensitive and non-judgemental way.
We offer counselling as well as psychotherapy with qualified and experienced counsellors.
Find out more
Children and Young People Services
Ever struggled to make sense of your feelings or emotions?
Or do you feel overwhelmed or anxious and want to explore why you feel this way and what you can do to change it?
We offer a range of fully funded services for people who are 5+, this includes support to manage your wellbeing as well as specialist counselling services.
Find out more
Mental Health Training
We provide courses for individuals and proffessionals, as well as schools, groups and workplaces to help raise mental health awareness,. Our aim is to improve education and reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
We cover a range of subjects and depth, including stress, anger, depression, psychosis, suicide prevention, returning to work and mental health first aid courses.
Find out more
What else do we do?
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Mental Health Signposting
We work within the community to raise awareness of local services and reach those most in need of support.
We attend local community events, networking groups and visit schools and organisations to empower people and their wellbeing and reduce mental health stigma.
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Somewhere To Turn
When it comes to mental health it can be hard to know where to start to find the help you want and need. Our free signposting service is called ‘Somewhere To Turn’.
Our team use their experience to assist you on the right path, discuss your needs, and offer potential options to help signpost you in the right direction. Use Somewhere To Turn
We also offer a Somewhere To Turn group- a safe virtual space to share experiences and talk to others Find out more
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Wellbeing Sessions
We are sometimes able to run sessions aimed at improving wellbeing, including Forest Bathing, Yoga and Meditation. When funding allows, these sessions are often free or low cost to help make as them as accessible as possible.
Take a look at our free videos via our Youtube Channel or visit our Events Page to see what activities are coming up. Find out more
You can help keep our vital local services running!
Interested in becoming a Trustee?
Senior Staff Members
David Sollis
Chief Executive Officer
Sophie Cooper
Head of Operations
Laura Lewsey
Housing Manager
Thania Khan
Therapy Services Manager
Robyn Blackwood
Charity Development Manager
Fundraising Lead
Fundraising Lead
Lorna Gill
Professional Services and Training Co-Ordinator
Kevin Daintree
Business Development Officer
Rosie Williams
Community Engagement Officer
Adam Lyle
Operations Administration Officer
