Chasing the Stigma Appoints Amy Yarker as New Chair of the Board of Trustees

National mental health charity Chasing the Stigma has announced the appointment of Amy Yarker as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees, following a rigorous recruitment process. Amy succeeds Professor Andy Smith, who has served as Chair for the past four years and has supported the charity since its inception in December 2016.

Amy joins the organisation at a pivotal moment as Chasing the Stigma continues to expand its national reach through its flagship platform, the Hub of Hope, the UK’s largest mental health service directory, alongside its growing partnerships, training programmes, and policy influence.

With more than a decade of leadership experience spanning health research infrastructure, social enterprise, and public service, Amy has worked across government, the NHS, and the life sciences sector to deliver sustainable, large scale transformation. Her appointment reflects the charity’s ambition to strengthen strategic leadership while staying rooted in lived experience and community impact.

Speaking about her appointment, Amy said

“I am honoured to be joining Chasing the Stigma as Chair of the Board of Trustees at such an important moment in its journey. As the charity continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact in communities, this feels like a pivotal time to help shape the next phase of its work while staying true to the compassion and authenticity that sit at its heart. Mental health affects every one of us, and from my own experiences, and those of people close to me, I understand how vital it is to remove stigma and make it easier to find support without fear or judgement.

What Jake, Andy, and the wider team have created is both inspiring and deeply human, rooted in lived experience and a determination to ensure that no one struggles alone. As Chair, I look forward to supporting the organisation to build on these strong foundations, bringing energy, clarity, and stewardship to help the charity grow sustainably and continue changing the conversation around mental health.”

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Founder and CEO Jake Mills welcomed the appointment and paid tribute to the outgoing Chair,

“This is a hugely important moment for Chasing the Stigma. Amy brings a powerful combination of strategic thinking, innovation, and genuine compassion, which will help guide us through our next chapter as we continue to grow nationally while staying true to our values.

Her experience across health, research, and system transformation will be invaluable as we look to strengthen our impact and sustainability for the long term. At the same time, I want to recognise the extraordinary contribution Andy has made to this organisation. Andy has been part of this journey since the very beginning, offering calm leadership, insight, and unwavering belief in what we are trying to achieve. His support has helped shape the charity into what it is today, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has given.”

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Outgoing Chair, Professor Andy Smith, reflected on his time with the charity,

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair and to watch Chasing the Stigma grow from an ambitious idea into a nationally recognised organisation making a real difference to people’s lives. The passion and authenticity that sit at the heart of the charity have always set it apart, and I am immensely proud of the role it now plays in helping people find support through the Hub of Hope.

I am delighted to be handing over to Amy at such an exciting point in the charity’s journey. Her leadership and vision will help ensure Chasing the Stigma continues to evolve, strengthen its impact, and remain a compassionate voice for those who need it most.”

The appointment comes as Chasing the Stigma continues to grow its national partnerships with employers, public bodies, and communities to improve access to mental health support and challenge stigma across the UK.

From everyone at Chasing the Stigma, welcome on board Amy we can't wait to continue to build great things with the support of our board!