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Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards

Anxious Minds founder Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards
Eddie CEO Anxious Minds

Edward Dean, CEO of Anxious Minds, Shortlisted for the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards

The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards are prestigious accolades celebrating the dedication, innovation, and excellence of individuals and organisations within the not-for-profit health and social care sector. These awards honour those who make a profound impact on their communities, driving positive change and improving outcomes for people receiving care, as well as their families and support staff.

Edward Dean, CEO of Anxious Minds, has been shortlisted for the Making A Difference Award following a nomination from his colleagues. The nomination recognises Edward’s visionary leadership and his transformative impact on mental health services. It highlights his ability to foster inclusivity, implement systemic improvements, and create sustainable change for service users, their families, and staff. Below, we explore the key pillars of Edward’s leadership and the remarkable contributions that led to his recognition as a finalist.


Leading Through Crisis with Innovation

Edward’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond showcased resilience and creativity. Under his guidance, Anxious Minds became a lifeline for vulnerable communities through:

  • Mental Health Services: Edward spearheaded the rapid expansion of affordable counselling services across the North East, ensuring uninterrupted access to mental health support during the pandemic supporting over 150 – 200 users a week.
  • Community Projects: He expanded the organisation’s reach through initiatives such as the Veteran and Community Kitchen, which provides over 1,200 hot meals weekly to some of the most deprived areas in the North East.
  • Veteran Recovery College: Edward established the North East Veteran Recovery College, supporting hundreds of veterans and their families annually. The programme has won eight national awards for its groundbreaking approach.
  • Workshops and Outdoor Therapy: Anxious Minds launched free workshops on anxiety management, drop-in centres, and an outdoor therapy centre, breaking down barriers to mental health support and reducing stigma in underserved communities.

Co-Production and Community-Centred Decision-Making

Edward is a firm advocate of co-production, ensuring that service users and their families have a voice in shaping Anxious Minds’ priorities. His approach includes:

  • Service User Advisory Panels: He established panels where individuals with lived experience co-design programmes, ensuring services are aligned with real-world needs.
  • Transparent Governance: Edward introduced open forums for staff, trustees, and service users to collaborate on strategic decisions, fostering trust and accountability.
  • Partnerships: He has forged partnerships with schools, workplaces, and GP clinics, embedding mental health support into local community ecosystems.

Sustainable Systemic Improvements

Edward has implemented reforms that ensure Anxious Minds remains resilient and impactful, including:

  • Improved Accessibility: Securing funding to subsidise therapy for low-income individuals, doubling the organisation’s reach in just two years.
  • Workforce Development: Introducing accredited training programmes focused on trauma-informed care and cultural competence, enhancing staff retention and service quality.
  • Data-Driven Impact: Launching an outcomes-tracking system to measure the effectiveness of interventions, ensuring resources are directed towards initiatives with the greatest impact.

Empowering Others and Building a Legacy

Edward’s leadership is defined by humility, empathy, and empowerment. His colleagues describe him as:

  • A Collaborative Leader: Actively mentoring junior staff and championing internal promotions, he has cultivated a pipeline of future leaders.
  • A Voice for Change: Advocating nationally for mental health funding reform, Edward amplifies the voices of smaller charities through media campaigns and parliamentary engagement.
  • A Compassionate Innovator: His personal experiences with mental health challenges inspire authenticity and a shared sense of purpose across the organisation.

Why Edward Became a Finalist

Edward’s nomination for the Making A Difference Award is a testament to his ability to balance strategic vision with grassroots action. His colleagues highlighted:

  • His success in scaling Anxious Minds’ services while maintaining a person-centred ethos.
  • His dedication to amplifying marginalised voices in mental health policy and service design.
  • His role in creating a resilient, adaptive organisation that thrives despite sector-wide challenges.

Conclusion

Edward Dean exemplifies the essence of the Making A Difference Award—a leader whose actions have transformed Anxious Minds into a beacon of hope for those struggling with anxiety and mental health challenges. Through his focus on co-production, sustainability, and compassionate innovation, Edward has not only improved outcomes for service users and staff but also inspired a culture of resilience and inclusivity. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of leadership rooted in lived experience and community collaboration.

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