Mitch Counsell

Recently retired Mitch has accrued a 45+ year career within both Public and Private sectors encompassing Project and Operation Management across Care, Health, Environment and Hospitality. University educated (Architecture), Mitch has gained extensive relevant knowledge, skills and experience.

Allied to his understanding and empathetic approach to the personal challenges faced by residents in care, their families and staff alike, Mitch appreciates the benefits of strengthening community ties.

Whilst working as national Project Manager for the Walking the Way to Health’ Initiative, Mitch worked with his regional colleagues to assess, fund and monitor over 200 community/local authority grants to create a health walks network with National Lottery, BHF and Countryside Agency funding.

Whilst working as a Regional Countryside Officer, Mitch was responsible for managing grant aid to Local Authorities for environmental and community projects.

Previously as assistant to National Heritage Manager at Countryside Agency, Mitch provided advice to Heritage Lottery Fund on grant applications.

Mitch also gained extensive experience developing a national network of community ‘health walk’ leaders and co-ordinators including recruitment, training and quality assurance.

Additionally, having in recent years project managed ‘new builds’ within both hospital and care home settings with Spire & Barchester, Mitch has gained a broad insight into the operating realities and opportunities.

On a personal level Mitch has experienced the lifelong challenges faced by a sibling with a permanent disability, culminating in providing carer support with early onset dementia, ongoing personal engagement and motivation in a Care Home setting and ultimately ‘end of life’ support with multi agency participation.

Mitch said: “From my earliest upbringing in a small island community pub on the west of Scotland I have had a strong interest in quality of life at both personal and societal level. Communities can play a very important role in providing support across generations.

Likewise, I strongly believe in the positive benefits of using the local environment, e.g. gardens and other outdoor spaces, to promote physical and mental wellbeing.

I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees to deliver the Charity’s programme."