Retford resident Emma Brady has been elected to the Board of Governors of Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to represent the views of those people who live outside Lincolnshire but still could use the Trust’s services.

Emma will represent the Surrounding Areas constituency on the Trust’s Board of Governors – a group made up of members of the public, carers, service users, staff and stakeholder representatives from across Lincolnshire.

‘Surrounding Areas’ incorporates all of those counties that border Lincolnshire.

The Board of Governors will help to shape the future direction of the Trust and play a part in developing mental health, substance misuse and learning disabilities services across the county.

Foundation Trusts are a new type of organisation – run as independent public benefit corporations similar to mutual organisations such as the Co-op or building societies. The key difference is that NHS Foundation Trusts are run locally. Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was officially declared as a Foundation Trust earlier this year on 1 October.

Trust Chairman Alison Healey said: “Members of the public have made sure their voices have been heard and have elected someone who I am sure will be a first class representative.

“Congratulations to Emma and I look forward to welcoming her at the next Board of Governors meeting. I am sure she will make an active contribution to the future of the Trust.

“Thank you also to May Allen-Barnes who contested the election. This seat was very keenly contested and it was very encouraging to see such interest from people who want to make a difference to mental health services in Lincolnshire and its neighbouring counties.”