Don Brind’s unwavering dedication to our Charity has helped shape its legacy and journey. Way back in 2008 when Jeremy Walker stepped in as new interim Director at Wandsworth Mind, it was at a very difficult time. He faced incredible challenges; there was the loss of two senior staff, resignation of nearly all Trustees, and financial uncertainty over whether the salaries of remaining staff could be paid.
At this point Jeremy reached out to Don, his neighbour in Balham and a fellow Wimbledon football supporter, for help. Don came on board as a trustee and, with his deep knowledge and understanding of the Charity’s needs, was able to set us onto a path of recovery.
After Jeremy’s departure in 2009, Don took over the leadership role. He successfully secured Lottery Funding for 10 years, enabling him to rent a closed-down pub, The Forester for use by the Charity. While not a plush venue, it provided a modest space for companionship and activities for older service users in the community, with Don preparing the lunches himself.
With Don at the helm new trustees joined us, including his two neighbours Jonathan Lawlor and Sue Williamson, and Hannah Ready whose work with young people remains an important cornerstone of our services.
Growing for success
The CEO at Westminster Mind was also able to provide some support but it was clear that it made sense to merge the two organisations for greater unity. And so, Wandsworth and Westminster Mind emerged in 2015, with Jonathan and Sue joining the Board there to steer the way forward. This merger brought together decades of experience, enabling us to reach more people than ever before.
Thanks to Don’s tireless efforts, we later discovered that The Forester had been purchased for the Charity by the Lottery Fund, valued at £1.2 million. This pivotal moment allowed us to sell the site in 2017 for redevelopment and move into a brand-new Hub on Tooting High Road. Don also carefully oversaw the complex transfer of a maisonette flat that had been bequeathed to Wandsworth Mind.
All this income meant that Don’s legacy has been the rock on which our further mergers were created, with Brent in 2017 and then Kensington and Chelsea in 2024, forming West London Mind, one of the largest local Minds in London. It also underpins the fully independent charity, Allkind, we have become today. Jonathan and Sue still continue to work with us, guiding us with their strategic leadership and wisdom.
We are profoundly grateful for Don’s contributions and generosity of spirit over the years in our long journey, helping us grow into the strong, community-based organisation we are today, and for many years to come.
