A MENTAL health charity has appointed its new CEO.

Dorset Mind will be replacing Marianne Storey, who after serving as chief executive for the charity for four years, has announced her retirement.

The charity said it was 'extremely pleased' to announce the appointment of Linda O’Sullivan as Ms Storey's successor.

Ms O'Sullivan is said to have extensive third sector experience having worked in many charities across the country, and joins Dorset Mind from The Alzheimer’s Society, where she had responsibility for London and the South East regions.

Ms O’Sullivan said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as CEO and am very much looking forward to building on the phenomenal successes already achieved at Dorset Mind.

"I believe that a key priority for our charity in the next few years is to enhance our reach across Dorset and continue to develop services that ensure we fulfill our vision. Our mission is to continue providing support for people across Dorset that need help with their mental health and wellbeing. We cannot achieve this alone.

"To address these challenges facing us all, we very much need to take a ‘Together is better’ stance; therefore, I am looking forward to connecting with all stakeholders across Dorset, who share our vision through collaboration, partnership and community engagement.”

Ken Heap, chair of the Dorset Mind Trustee Board, said: “I am delighted that Linda has joined us, bringing a great deal of knowledge and experience to the role. I am sure she will both build on the best of the past and launch us forward in this ever-changing world where good mental health has never been more necessary.”

For details of the 1-2-1 and group support, training and volunteering opportunities for adults and young people across Dorset, visit the charity’s website: www.dorsetmind.uk