Yorkshire CIC grows team with board directors and interns

West Yorkshire Community Interest Company (CIC), HelloHope has announced two new board directors to shape the direction and strategy of the organisation dedicated to helping save lives.

Leeds-based HelloHope which supports mental health and suicide prevention, based in Nexus, Leeds University has appointed Amanda Haigh and Adam Pike to its board.

Amanda Haigh has experience running a CIC and has been brought on board for her sector expertise and grant funding experience.

The founder of HelloHope, Ellie MacDonald, was introduced to Amanda through the Innovative Entrepreneurs programme earlier this year as they both developed their companies.

Adam Pike of Harrogate has joined also joined as board director.

Adam brings a wealth of relevant experience having worked in the community in differing roles, with qualifications in counselling, coaching and mentoring.

Adam has worked on emotional distress and crisis support lines for MIND in Harrogate, as well as supporting individuals and groups in addiction services for North Yorkshire Horizons, leading him to build new courses for those suffering from poor mental health and addiction.

Ellie asked Adam to join the board following his drive and sharing his own lived experience of various mental health issues.

In addition, HelloHope is supported by two marketing and PR student interns to support the company over the coming months. Both from Leeds Beckett University, Nafatiti Nimako-Boatey and Charlotte Smith are involved with the content and planning for HelloHope.

Nafatiti, originally from London, studies Public Relations and Brand Communications. She has experience in freelance writing and creating engaging campaigns for brands.

Charlotte, who hails from Yarm, is a Marketing and Public Relations student with experience in Search Engine Optimization and graphic design.

Founder and CEO of HelloHope, Ellie MacDonald comments:

“I am so grateful for the influx of support from our new board directors and interns. HelloHope’s mission is to save lives and isn’t something I can do alone.

“In its first six months, HelloHope has grown rapidly, so it’s incredibly beneficial to have as many people championing the cause as possible.”

New board director Adam Pike added:

“I am so excited to be a part of a mission to save lives and reduce the stigma of mental health and suicide. It’s a venture I feel extremely passionate about and I’m honoured to be part of HelloHope’s journey.”

HelloHope plans to continue its rapid growth and recently saw its first corporate sponsors, Greenborough Management and Transition Partners come on board to support its mission to prevent suicides.

View more about HelloHope at www.hellohope.uk.