She was previously director of Edinburgh Food Project

National mental health charity Change Mental Health has welcomed an experienced third sector professional to take on the role of head of national services.

Bethany Biggar, previously director of Edinburgh Food Project, will responsibility for developing the charity’s key operations, including the Advice and Support Service, its Distress Brief Intervention portfolio and the Suicide Bereavement Support Service, along with other programmes and projects of national reach and scope.

She joined Edinburgh Food Project, a charity advocating for long-term change that runs seven foodbank centres, a money advice service and a community hub, in 2015.

Bethany was initially a volunteer, before becoming its first volunteer manager. She then became director after taking over from the founder of the charity in 2017. She is also a trustee for Volunteer Edinburgh.

She said: “I am joining Change Mental Health at a really exciting time. I am looking forward to using my experience of strategic and operational development, and leadership, from Edinburgh Food Project to contribute to the growth of Change Mental Health’s national services.

“It has been an absolute privilege leading Edinburgh Food Project and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. However, every organisation needs an injection of fresh energy and this is a great time for new leadership, skills and exciting new ideas – of which I’m hoping I can provide the same for Change Mental Health.

“I’m deeply inspired by Change Mental Health’s commitment to ensuring that no one faces mental illness alone and I’m eager to contribute to their continued success.”

Change Mental Health’s national services have seen significant growth in the last couple of years, with a newly shaped Advice and Support Service that helps people with their mental health and money worries.

The charity continues to be a leading partner in the Distress Brief Intervention programme, delivering connected and compassionate support in multiple areas across Scotland. As well as the charity being an outcome lead with Penumbra Mental Health in the Suicide Prevention Strategy – Creating Hope Together – Change Mental Health is ensuring that everyone has access to timely support through the Suicide Bereavement Support Service in Highland and Argyll & Bute.

Coleen Kelly, director of services, said: “We are thrilled to have such an adept and knowledgeable head of national services in Bethany, who has shown true leadership and capability in her role at Edinburgh Food Project.

“This is an exciting time for Change Mental Health: a national mental health charity displaying true growth and supporting over 10,000 people a year across Scotland.

“We are looking forward to developing and enhancing our national services, programmes and projects to ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them.”