About us

History

East Berkshire Mind started life as Mind in Bracknell in 1986 when a group of people wanted to create a drop-in centre to support local people with mental health problems. In 1988, Mind in Bracknell became affiliated with Mind, the leading national mental charity in England and Wales.

In those early days, the Whitmarsh Centre was run by volunteers and only opened on a Monday as a drop in centre and a Saturday evening for a social event. Since then, Mind in Bracknell has expanded its activities in many directions including more day centres, an employment and training service, youth projects, mental health promotion, advocacy and advice, therapeutic groups and user research.

In December 2002 the name of the organisation changed to East Berkshire Mind to accurately reflect the area being provided for. The original drop in service at the Whitmarsh Centre operates under the new name New Horizons and with all the services continues to provide support to those experiencing mental health needs in East Berkshire.

Back to top

Mission and Aims

Empowerment, Opportunity & Recovery

Working in equal partnership with the people who use our services, we have a dynamic approach to service provision focusing on the individuals mental health needs and promoting emotional wellbeing in the community.

East Berkshire Mind has five main aims in developing services to fulfil the mission statement:

• Securing the Future Developing financial strategies which enable greater independence of action in order to safeguard and enhance services, together with clear and effective financial policies and procedures.

• Working Together Creating real partnerships empowering people to take control of their own recovery and play a vital part in the development of the organisation and its services.

• Rewarding Work Providing a healthy and supportive working environment which values the expertise and commitment of staff and offers real career opportunities, ensuring staff ownership of the organisation and its development.

• Reaching Out Working at a local level to educate, advise and influence attitudes towards mental health in order to reduce stigma and discrimination and increase emotional wellbeing in the community.

• Moving Forward Identifying real mental health needs across the community through evidence based research, developing a range of partnerships that work effectively to provide flexible and responsive mental health services.

Back to top

Partners

Thank you We would like to thank our funders and partners who help to make our work possible:

Back to top

Working for East Berkshire Mind

We hope you’ll be inspired to consider applying for any current vacancies within the organisation, but before you look at the opportunities, here are the top ten reasons why you should come to work for us:

1. East Berkshire Mind’s mission
At the heart of all our work is East Berkshire Mind’s Mission Statement: Empowerment, Opportunity and Recovery.
‘Working in equal partnership with the people who use our services, we have a dynamic approach to service provision focusing on the individuals mental health needs and promoting emotional wellbeing in the community.’

2. Rewarding work
1 in 4 people experience mental distress in their lives, and each employee’s contribution to the user led services provided by East Berkshire Mind will make a real and positive difference to those people.

3. EBM’s appreciation of every individual employee
As an employer, EBM strives to: ‘provide a healthy and supportive working environment which values the expertise and commitment of staff and offers real career opportunities, ensuring staff ownership of the organization and its development.’

4. Being part of both a local organisation and national charity
East Berkshire Mind is an independent charity and limited company, but is affiliated to National Mind. Employees are part of the EBM team, but also have the benefits of association with a national organisation.

5. Ongoing support and training
Employees have opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and experience, and advance their careers. Our Performance Management Policy ensures regular ongoing employee support, and identifies training requirements. Even when budgets are tight, access to free training is readily available. All employees receive Mental Health Awareness Training as part of their induction.

6. Flexible working arrangements
Whilst EBM has rapidly expanded in the last six years from a handful of employees to currently around 50, the organisation has maintained its personal approach to employees, and is able to consider requests for flexible working arrangements. Employees are trusted to manage their workload, and many enjoy the advantages of flexi time and taking time off in lieu in order to juggle the requirements of work and home. Both job share and occasional working from home is feasible for some.

7. Generous holiday entitlement
In each full holiday year, the total basic holiday entitlement is 25 days based on a standard 37 hour week, which increases with long service. Within that entitlement, ‘duvet days’ (a day booked as annual leave at short notice), may be taken.

8. Contributory pension
There is a contributory pension scheme which all permanent employees can choose to join.

9. Tax efficient salary payments
Employees with child care costs are able to optimise tax efficiency by receiving part of their pay as childcare vouchers, using the Busy Bees scheme.

10. Convenient location
Berkshire is characterized by its leafy lanes, but possibly of more practical use to employees are the town centre locations of all our offices and project centres in Bracknell, Maidenhead and Slough, readily accessible by public transport.

    Current vacancies

There are currently no vacancies at East Berkshire Mind.

East Berkshire Mind is a registered charity (no. 1097709) which promotes equality of opportunity for all.

Help with applying

If you have any problems with the application process, please contact the Personnel Department.

Volunteering

East Berkshire Mind welcomes and appreciates time given by volunteers. Click here for further information on volunteering.

Back to top