Executive Committee

Chair | Treasurer | Secretary | Executive Committee Members | Become a Executive Committee Member

Chair

Alison Lawrence

Alison Lawrence is an independent consultant in public affairs, specialising in health care. Her clients include individual pharmaceutical companies, voluntary organisations, industry associations, Department of Health and related agencies, and public affairs and communication agencies. Projects range from policy development, crisis management, strategy development, communications and lobbying activities.

Prior to this Alison gained extensive corporate experience working in the pharmaceutical sector in public affairs, marketing and sales. During this time Alison had the responsibility for managing the approach to the healthcare environment, specifically focusing on the NHS, and industry and health related policies. Responsibilities included provision of strategic advice to the operating businesses, development of policy, leadership of lobbying and communication activities, and aligning UK priorities with Corporate and European policy. In addition, Alison held a number of key posts at the ABPI and as vice Chair of the UK Vaccine Industry Group.

Alison first became interested in mental health about 15 years ago when a close friend became depressed. This interest was developed further in her professional life during which time she had the opportunity to work with Depression Alliance.

Three years ago Alison became an advisor to the Board of Trustees before being appointed as a Trustee a year later. As a Trustee for Depression Alliance, Alison provides expertise in marketing, public affairs and communications - supporting the Depression Alliance team to raise awareness and campaign on key issues.

Alison lives with her partner and their son in North London.

Treasurer

Judy Lanham

Educated at North Foreland Lodge, Hants, & Ealing Technical College; a Member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (MCLIP), formerly the Library Association. After bringing up her two children she returned to work in 1992 to become the part time Clerk to Clifton Parish Council; she is also the Council's Responsible Financial Officer.

Judy was co-opted onto Depression Alliance's Executive Committee in 1992 as Assistant Secretary amd later acted as Assistant Treasurer. She then became Joint Secretary in 1998 and was Secretary from 1999 to 2002 when she became Treasurer. Judy also held the title of joint Pen Friend Secretaryfrom 1999 to 2003. She was also on the Carers team from 1993 to 1999.

Secretary

Paul Lanham

Educated at Monkton Combe School, Bath, St John's College, Durham (BA General Arts 1964) and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Church of England priest since 1967, working in parishes in Buckinghamshire, Lancashire and Bedfordshire. Paul took early retirement in 1985 because of stress, depression and OCD; currently has the Bishop of St Albans' Permission to Officiate in his diocese.

Paul has been sitting on the Executive Committee since joining Depression Alliance in 1986. He has held the positions of New Groups Coordinator (1987-1988), Chairman (1988-1993), Publicity Officer (1993-1994), National Groups Coordinator (1994-1997), Secretary (2002-2003), and Newsletter Editor (1989-1995 and since 1997). Currently Minutes Secretary to the Directors, writing the History of Depression Alliance, and collating its records and minutes.

Paul lives in rural Mid-Bedfordshire and has written four local history books (one unpublished) and has a particular interest in depression and Christianity.

Executive Committee Members

Malcolm Johnston MA (Oxon), FCIS

Malcolm was co-opted onto the committee as an advisor late in 2005 and was appointed as a Director and the Secretary in April 2006. During his time with us so far he has undertaken a number of tasks including those of Deputy Chairman and interim Chief Executive.

A Fellow of ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators), he has extensive experience in the management and administration of companies and charities of many and varying sizes and sectors.

He is now in private practice. and is married to Caroline.

Lynsey Conway

Lynsey became involved with Depression Alliance four years ago following personal experience of the condition and the stigma attached to it. She is committed to raising the profile of the charity and depression as a serious illness. Lynsey is a freelance public relations specialist and writer and has spent the majority of her career working in the field of healthcare communications.

Dr Richard Beese

Dr Richard Beese is a qualified medical Doctor of 15 years experience, 5 years at Consultant Level.

He is currently involved in research taking place at the Hammersmith Hospital, looking into the role of Omega 3 and mental health with Prof. Basant Puri, Consultant Psychiatrist. Richard has a particular interest in a natural, evidence based approach and is astrong believer in the Depression Alliance ethos of self-help and mutual support

Become a Executive Committee Member

The Executive Committee are a group of individuals who govern Depression Alliance. They are unpaid and take legal, moral and financial responsibility for the Charity. If you feel you have skills you would like to contribute to the Executive Committee then please contact information@depressionalliance.org.