Dr Asha Patel
CEO & Clinical Psychologist
On leap year day in 2016, I took a leap of faith and handed in my resignation to find Innovating Minds. My guilty pleasure is trashy TV, and I love to cross stitch.
A multi-award-winning social enterprise that is breaking barriers to offer a world where children and young people with emotional and mental health needs are supported at the earliest point possible.
CEO & Clinical Psychologist
On leap year day in 2016, I took a leap of faith and handed in my resignation to find Innovating Minds. My guilty pleasure is trashy TV, and I love to cross stitch.
Non-Executive Director
Christian is a Partner at Rothschild & Co. He co-heads the market leading global debt advisory group, which comprises 200 professionals and provides advice to corporates, investment institutions and governments on capital structure, financing and restructuring. He is also UK Chairman of R&Co4Generations which coordinates the group’s philanthropic activities including grant funding, impact investing and pro bono advisory. Christian is an advocate for better quality and availability of mental health care and joined the board of Innovating Minds in 2020, becoming Chairman in 2022.
Non-Executive Director
James has 25 years’ experience as a corporate finance lawyer in a city law firm. He advises on corporate finance, governance and sustainability. James comes from a family of teachers and lectures part-time at UCL. He coaches hockey at the weekend.
Non-Executive Director
Dr Leanne Griffiths is Dean of the Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Sciences at St Mary's University Twickenham. In this role she leads and directs academic growth, research and enterprise within the faculty. Leanne is also founder of the charity Sophie's Stars. Sophie's Stars is dedicated to supporting family and friends of people who have a diagnosis of cancer. We understand that cancer affects everyone, even if you don't have cancer. The charity was established after Leanne lost her sister to Kidney cancer in 2017. Both of Leanne's roles gives her an understanding of the importance of communication, teamwork and respect for one another. She thoroughly enjoys her role as Director for Innovating Minds, and being involved in the hugely impactful work they do.
Non-Executive Director
I work as a Paediatrician in the NHS and see many children and young people who would benefit from the resources and help that Innovating Minds provides. I love to spend time with my family and friends, ideally outdoors with a cup of tea and cake.
The community interest company Innovating Minds was founded on leap year day in 2016 while Dr Asha Patel (CEO & Clinical Psychologist) was working in forensic mental health services.
Her frustrations led her to create a model that lets children and young people access expert help more quickly. The community interest company has grown rapidly and the team are working across the UK with Local Authorities, Schools and National Organisations to upskill the existing workforce.
To offer a world where children, young people and families can access early trauma informed help within environments that are trauma informed.
To create mentally healthy environments for children and young people.
To provide accessible psychological support.
To support those working with children & young people
We encourage autonomy and we will promote the development of ‘Innovating Minds’ by listening to the voices of our community members
We will work with
the people and systems influencing young people’s lives
We are flexible, responsive and creative
We will provide a first class, transparent & innovative service, deliver evidence-based interventions & continue to evaluate our programmes