Aims
The Herts Mind Network (HMN) aims to promote positive mental health and assist recovery from mental and emotional distress by meeting the needs of individuals, enabling them to make informed choices and take control of their lives.

History
Mind has a long history of delivering quality mental health services in Hertfordshire.  In 2006, service provision was widened into the East Herts area by working with service users who had identified unmet needs in the area.   

In 2007 the HMN was formed with the amalgamation of Mind in Dacorum, Mind in Watford and Mind in East Hertsmere.  To maintain a local focus, steering groups were set up to act as links between service users, volunteers, staff and the main Board. 

Service Provision
We aim for our services to: 

• be accessible to anyone irrespective of where they live in Hertfordshire
• provide safe and effective care
• promote social inclusion
• encourage active involvement from users and carers
• promote early intervention

User Led
HMN is a user lead organisation with the views and needs of users always considered before planning and developing new services.  The charity works within a culture of openness and integrity with strong governance structures underpinning the organisation.  All services are based on the principles of self help with a strong emphasis on peer support. 

Recovery
HMN aims to promote recovery by developing an individual approach to enable each person’s needs and aspirations to be recognised and realistically met.  The themes that run throughout the services we have to offer are peer support, personal development, education and leisure. 

Team
The organisation has a skilled and highly qualified management team consisting of therapists, tutors and guidance workers.  At least a quarter of the team and Board are ex or current users of mental health services.

Role
HMN has a multifaceted role in that it provides focus on social support, skills for life, health promotion and prevention, as well as provide information, advice and guidance to service users and carers.  It also continues to raise awareness of mental health issues to wider audience through business and schools.  It works to challenge discrimination and promote inclusion and to influence policy and achieve equal rights through campaigning and education.

Working in Partnership
HMN is committed to working in partnership to deliver the services required and to maintaining and developing links with statutory and non statutory organisations.

Volunteering
The organisation is dependent upon the support of volunteers.  Training is offered that leads to an Introduction to Counselling Skills Certificate and on going support, training and supervision are provided.