Dave has worked in mental health, education and social justice for over 35 years alongside being a volunteer for Samaritans Festival Branch for 37 years, including seven years as Deputy Director primarily for recruitment and selection and three years as overall Director of Festival Branch.

Dave worked for three years at Mind Cymru supporting the local Mind network in Wales, two as a local Mind Liaison Officer and one year as One Mind in Wales Project Manager before becoming Chief Executive Officer of Newport Mind in 2011.

Dave was involved in talks about Mind in Gwent from his time at Mind Cymru and then at Newport Mind until Mind in Gwent was formed in October 2023 bringing together Mind Monmouthshire, Newport Mind and Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind.

Dave has a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in psychology from Portsmouth, a Masters in Science (MSc.) in Organisational and Occupational Psychology from University of East London, and a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDip.) in Public Administration from Cardiff University.

When he is not at work Dave enjoys spending time with his family and dog Rebus, exploring and travelling in Wales and further afield, going to Festivals, Glastonbury being his favourite and running (anything from 5km Park Runs, to half and full marathons, to ultra-marathons and multiple day running events such as the Dragon’s Back Race).

Seran has been working in the Mind Network for 12 years. Previously as the Children, Young People and Families Manager at Newport Mind, a Network Quality Manager at National Mind and now as the Director of Services at Mind in Gwent

Seran has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Applied Criminology and Criminal Justice from Swansea University. Seran has spent the majority of her career working with children and young people most notably in the prison service, at Welsh Women’s Aid and Volunteer Matters. Seran has a particular interest in research and evaluation and spent some time as a research assistant at the Cambridge Institute of Criminology.

When Seran is not working she enjoys spending time with her children and her dog Raven. This mainly involves standing next to a rugby pitch or transporting them from activity to activity! If she had more time Seran would spend her time walking in the mountains and reading odd fantasy novels.

Darren brings over 30 years of experience in senior finance roles across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, housing, and more recently, the charity sector. A qualified member and Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Darren has been advising organisations and leading finance teams for over 25 years.

He joined Mind in Gwent in January 2024 and feels privileged to support such a fantastic charity, whose aims and values closely align with his own commitment to helping others in times of need.

Throughout his career, Darren has guided organisations through financial challenges and major structural changes, playing a key leadership role during periods of transition and uncertainty.

Outside of work, Darren is a passionate supporter of Greyhound Rescue, inspired by his adopted ex-racing greyhound, Rodney. He’s also an avid football and rugby fan and enjoys following local sports.

Jaime has worked for Mind in Gwent since January 2015.

Starting as a Support Worker Assistant, Jaime progressed to Tenancy and Supported Living Project Lead where he managed Mind in Gwent’s contracts related to housing and benefits rights throughout the county of Monmouthshire.

Prior to gaining employment with Mind in Gwent, Jaime worked as an educator in secondary, and further education for 12 years.

Jaime has a commitment to upholding the rights of those who experience poor mental health, and in challenging the stigma they often experience.

Stephanie has worked with various Mind’s for the past seven years, with a career focused on supporting children and young people. Her early roles included supporting mental health within schools, managing a trauma-informed project, and working closely with marginalised communities.

As a qualified Integrative Therapist, Stephanie has supported clients across all ages helping them navigate a wide range of mental health challenges. Alongside working for Mind, Stephanie has specialised in crisis support working with the NSPCC as a ChildLine Counsellor and Supervisor, gaining extensive experience in supporting vulnerable children and young people; and supporting with survivors of domestic abuse with Women’s Aid.

Throughout her career, Stephanie values creating spaces and services where people can feel safe, heard, and seen for who they are and their experiences.

Stephanie lives in Cardiff with her husband and enjoys spending her spare time trying out new hobbies and relaxing with her husband and their puppy.

Rachel has been a dedicated youth support worker for over 25 years.

She began her career at Torfaen County Borough Council providing educational support, delivering values-based qualifications, and offering comprehensive youth support services and activities for young people. Her role helped shape the lives of many young individuals, helping them develop essential life skills and achieve their full potential. 

Since 2013 she has worked for youth homelessness organisation Llamau in a number of different roles including as a Debrief and Mediation Support Worker where she specialised in conducting one-to-one return interviews with young people who have been missing. She was part of the Gwent Missing Children and Exploitation Team working to tackle people trafficking and modern day slavery, collaborating with a multi-agency team, including the police, social services, health, education, and exploitation units. She went on to work as a Project Manager for 2 years, overseeing change management initiatives and leading a team to enhance functionality and communication across project teams. For the past 4 years she has worked as a Support Worker (Relief) providing dedicated support to vulnerable young people and women which focused on addressing the unique needs of vulnerable populations, fostering positive relationships, and promoting personal development and safety.

Rachel joined Mind in Gwent in 2024 as interim Head of Children, Young People and Families (maternity cover).  

Mike has been a professional fundraiser for over twenty years.

He has held a number of fundraising and development roles for large arts organisations, charities and commercial rights holders, delivering fundraising campaigns, strategies and sponsorship.

Throughout his career, Mike has worked across all areas of fundraising operations and is skilled at working with corporates, individuals, trusts and foundations, and statutory funders.

Mike is a former Chair of the board of trustees at the Barry Memorial Hall and Theatre Trust, where he advised the charity on fundraising strategy, marketing and communications. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, sits on the CIOF Cymru committee, and was previously Chair of the Institute of Fundraising Regional Fundraisers Forum. 

Mike lives in Barry with his family and a very insistent Cocker Spaniel called Molly.