Nick Ward
@nickmward.bsky.social
CEO of Change Mental Health🌤️
Trustee of LGBT Health and Wellbeing🏳️🌈
Trustee of Mental Health UK 💙
Former teacher & Islington councillor 🌹
Sci fi, politics and history geek, 🚀
Running and gym aficionado. 🏃♀️
Just trying to make things better.
Trustee of LGBT Health and Wellbeing🏳️🌈
Trustee of Mental Health UK 💙
Former teacher & Islington councillor 🌹
Sci fi, politics and history geek, 🚀
Running and gym aficionado. 🏃♀️
Just trying to make things better.
New role!
✨ Head of Fundraising
📍 Edinburgh
💰 £46,350 – £51,500
💁 Leading team of 4
🏖️ 37 days leave, Mental Wellbeing days & blue light card
🍯 6% Employer Pension Contribution
Really exciting new role for Change
and we are a great place to work!
Please do share!
changemh.org/vacancies/he...
✨ Head of Fundraising
📍 Edinburgh
💰 £46,350 – £51,500
💁 Leading team of 4
🏖️ 37 days leave, Mental Wellbeing days & blue light card
🍯 6% Employer Pension Contribution
Really exciting new role for Change
and we are a great place to work!
Please do share!
changemh.org/vacancies/he...
Head of Fundraising - Change Mental Health
changemh.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:36 AM
New role!
✨ Head of Fundraising
📍 Edinburgh
💰 £46,350 – £51,500
💁 Leading team of 4
🏖️ 37 days leave, Mental Wellbeing days & blue light card
🍯 6% Employer Pension Contribution
Really exciting new role for Change
and we are a great place to work!
Please do share!
changemh.org/vacancies/he...
✨ Head of Fundraising
📍 Edinburgh
💰 £46,350 – £51,500
💁 Leading team of 4
🏖️ 37 days leave, Mental Wellbeing days & blue light card
🍯 6% Employer Pension Contribution
Really exciting new role for Change
and we are a great place to work!
Please do share!
changemh.org/vacancies/he...
Reposted by Nick Ward
The even more unbelievable crime fact (which I learned relatively recently) is that burglary has fallen by more than 90% since the 1990s.
Did anyone notice? Nope. Does anyone believe it? Nope. But is is true? It is!
Did anyone notice? Nope. Does anyone believe it? Nope. But is is true? It is!
Useful reminder from Peter Kellner on the problems we refuse to acknowledge are getting better, and the politics of hopelessness that this breeds
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
open.substack.com/pub/kellnerp...
September 23, 2025 at 6:53 AM
The even more unbelievable crime fact (which I learned relatively recently) is that burglary has fallen by more than 90% since the 1990s.
Did anyone notice? Nope. Does anyone believe it? Nope. But is is true? It is!
Did anyone notice? Nope. Does anyone believe it? Nope. But is is true? It is!
Reposted by Nick Ward
Reform hold a press conference every Monday, for which they trail a policy announcement in that morning’s papers. Given Monday is a slow news day, that often means they lead the papers – and so the breakfast shows, and so they set the agenda for the week.
It’s a good trick, but easy to counter!
It’s a good trick, but easy to counter!
September 22, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Reform hold a press conference every Monday, for which they trail a policy announcement in that morning’s papers. Given Monday is a slow news day, that often means they lead the papers – and so the breakfast shows, and so they set the agenda for the week.
It’s a good trick, but easy to counter!
It’s a good trick, but easy to counter!
You know I rarely use the word 'fascism', I think it is bandied about too much ... but this... this is fascism...
This is the destruction of the British values of tolerance, respect & multiculturalism & it is also the effective destruction of our economy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This is the destruction of the British values of tolerance, respect & multiculturalism & it is also the effective destruction of our economy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain for migrants
The party says scrapping the scheme and restricting migrant access to benefits will save hundreds of billions of pounds.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 22, 2025 at 4:15 PM
You know I rarely use the word 'fascism', I think it is bandied about too much ... but this... this is fascism...
This is the destruction of the British values of tolerance, respect & multiculturalism & it is also the effective destruction of our economy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This is the destruction of the British values of tolerance, respect & multiculturalism & it is also the effective destruction of our economy.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Great to hear from @thomascarthur.bsky.social today at the @ccpscotland.bsky.social members meeting about his commitment to work in partnership with the third sector and towards community wealth building which of course charities like @changemh.org are absolutely essential to.
September 22, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Great to hear from @thomascarthur.bsky.social today at the @ccpscotland.bsky.social members meeting about his commitment to work in partnership with the third sector and towards community wealth building which of course charities like @changemh.org are absolutely essential to.
Reposted by Nick Ward
Welcome to the United Kingdom! 🇬🇧
Never before in U.S. History has a President been acknowledged by another country in this unique way! 🇺🇸
At Windsor Castle, in London & all across the land, people are United! ✊
They all want to see the #EPSTEIN_PedoFiles, ASAP! 👀
Never before in U.S. History has a President been acknowledged by another country in this unique way! 🇺🇸
At Windsor Castle, in London & all across the land, people are United! ✊
They all want to see the #EPSTEIN_PedoFiles, ASAP! 👀
September 17, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Welcome to the United Kingdom! 🇬🇧
Never before in U.S. History has a President been acknowledged by another country in this unique way! 🇺🇸
At Windsor Castle, in London & all across the land, people are United! ✊
They all want to see the #EPSTEIN_PedoFiles, ASAP! 👀
Never before in U.S. History has a President been acknowledged by another country in this unique way! 🇺🇸
At Windsor Castle, in London & all across the land, people are United! ✊
They all want to see the #EPSTEIN_PedoFiles, ASAP! 👀
What powers does OFCOM have to regulate Twitter? because I really think it needs regulating. I also think Elon Musks rhetoric is completely unacceptable. A foreign national calling for violence and the overthrow of the British government whilst controlling a massive far right media spewing machine.
September 15, 2025 at 7:19 AM
What powers does OFCOM have to regulate Twitter? because I really think it needs regulating. I also think Elon Musks rhetoric is completely unacceptable. A foreign national calling for violence and the overthrow of the British government whilst controlling a massive far right media spewing machine.
‘Allow it Sir?!’ Is one of my defining memories of being a school teacher in London and coming across this seemingly rather formal request in my very first lesson and responding…
‘No… no I will not allow it!’
‘No… no I will not allow it!’
I’m so sad that “allow” has fallen out of the top ten.
What slang are students using in 2025? 🤔💬
From “rizz” and “delulu” to “skibidi” and “brain rot” - classrooms are echoing with internet culture.
2,000+ Teacher Tappers told us what they’re hearing right now 👇
From “rizz” and “delulu” to “skibidi” and “brain rot” - classrooms are echoing with internet culture.
2,000+ Teacher Tappers told us what they’re hearing right now 👇
August 28, 2025 at 9:08 PM
‘Allow it Sir?!’ Is one of my defining memories of being a school teacher in London and coming across this seemingly rather formal request in my very first lesson and responding…
‘No… no I will not allow it!’
‘No… no I will not allow it!’
We are so incredibly relieved and pleased that all our campaigning paid off, for now.
I am however furious that we were subjected to a terrible, possibly unlawful process, there is no accountability for the EIJB & the cuts still happening disproportionately affect ethnic minority and LGBT+ people.
I am however furious that we were subjected to a terrible, possibly unlawful process, there is no accountability for the EIJB & the cuts still happening disproportionately affect ethnic minority and LGBT+ people.
We are relieved that our services in Edinburgh, including our Stafford Centre, are safeguarded for now.
Today's decision by the EIJB means we will be involved in a recommissioning process, but there is work to be done to ensure better collaboration equals better outcomes.
Read our statement 👇
Today's decision by the EIJB means we will be involved in a recommissioning process, but there is work to be done to ensure better collaboration equals better outcomes.
Read our statement 👇
Statement on community mental health decision by EIJB
While services are safeguarded for now, the EIJB need to ensure there's better collaboration to create better outcomes for community mental health in Edinburgh.
changemh.org
August 28, 2025 at 6:16 AM
We are so incredibly relieved and pleased that all our campaigning paid off, for now.
I am however furious that we were subjected to a terrible, possibly unlawful process, there is no accountability for the EIJB & the cuts still happening disproportionately affect ethnic minority and LGBT+ people.
I am however furious that we were subjected to a terrible, possibly unlawful process, there is no accountability for the EIJB & the cuts still happening disproportionately affect ethnic minority and LGBT+ people.
@nicolasturgeon.bsky.social is incredibly brave to talk about seeing a therapist. For so many it can be hard to do but it is also so often transformative. The evidence is also super clear. Talking Therapies work but too often they are gate kept: too expensive, unregulated and stigmatised.
August 11, 2025 at 6:27 PM
@nicolasturgeon.bsky.social is incredibly brave to talk about seeing a therapist. For so many it can be hard to do but it is also so often transformative. The evidence is also super clear. Talking Therapies work but too often they are gate kept: too expensive, unregulated and stigmatised.
Reposted by Nick Ward
A pal in mental health services in the NHS is appalled by these cuts too - he says the NHS services won't be able to cope with the number of new referrals and will lose an important referral pathway for effective treatments
The proposed cuts to mental health services are not just ill thought through, they are self defeating. Early intervention & prevention services are being cut with decision makers and officers not realising that they will just make the situation worse.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
'Edinburgh mental health cuts will cost more than they save'
Threatened cuts to Edinburgh's mental health services will cost more than they save, health bosses have been warned.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
August 6, 2025 at 8:25 AM
A pal in mental health services in the NHS is appalled by these cuts too - he says the NHS services won't be able to cope with the number of new referrals and will lose an important referral pathway for effective treatments
The proposed cuts to mental health services are not just ill thought through, they are self defeating. Early intervention & prevention services are being cut with decision makers and officers not realising that they will just make the situation worse.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
'Edinburgh mental health cuts will cost more than they save'
Threatened cuts to Edinburgh's mental health services will cost more than they save, health bosses have been warned.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
August 6, 2025 at 6:59 AM
The proposed cuts to mental health services are not just ill thought through, they are self defeating. Early intervention & prevention services are being cut with decision makers and officers not realising that they will just make the situation worse.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...
Reposted by Nick Ward
Many of our services hosted an open day for partners in Inverness this week! 👥
As well as showing the incredible work we do across local and national services, our teams got a good opportunity to catch up in person.
Find out more about our work 👇
www.changemh.org/need-support
As well as showing the incredible work we do across local and national services, our teams got a good opportunity to catch up in person.
Find out more about our work 👇
www.changemh.org/need-support
July 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Many of our services hosted an open day for partners in Inverness this week! 👥
As well as showing the incredible work we do across local and national services, our teams got a good opportunity to catch up in person.
Find out more about our work 👇
www.changemh.org/need-support
As well as showing the incredible work we do across local and national services, our teams got a good opportunity to catch up in person.
Find out more about our work 👇
www.changemh.org/need-support
I remember being told by my chemistry teacher that I was ridiculous for suggesting that there could be more elements that we just hadn’t discovered yet. Even as a 13/14 year old I was struck by his close mindedness. I’m glad that our thirst for knowledge and truth continues!
The periodic table looks complete, but it isn’t. The race is on to discover the table’s next row of elements, starting with elements 119 and 120. cen.acs.org/physical-che... #chemsky 🧪
Why Japan is winning the race to discover the next element
After a breakdown in US-Russia relations, Riken finds itself ahead of its rivals. And Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory chases element 120
cen.acs.org
June 22, 2025 at 6:34 AM
I remember being told by my chemistry teacher that I was ridiculous for suggesting that there could be more elements that we just hadn’t discovered yet. Even as a 13/14 year old I was struck by his close mindedness. I’m glad that our thirst for knowledge and truth continues!
The situation in the US is dystopian. I support the peaceful protesters exercising their rights, the government of California threatened and undermined by the White House, and the unjustly detained and deported people. Donald Trump once again showing his true colours.
June 10, 2025 at 8:39 AM
The situation in the US is dystopian. I support the peaceful protesters exercising their rights, the government of California threatened and undermined by the White House, and the unjustly detained and deported people. Donald Trump once again showing his true colours.
So I’ve just spent my morning watching cartoons basically… and Transformers One is actually Brilliant! I’d say the best transformers film by a mile! It’s on paramount plus and it’s a strong recommend!
June 7, 2025 at 9:27 AM
So I’ve just spent my morning watching cartoons basically… and Transformers One is actually Brilliant! I’d say the best transformers film by a mile! It’s on paramount plus and it’s a strong recommend!
A win, but also just a short reprieve, we must keep the pressure up!
We are pleased that the EIJB seemed to listen at the Thrive public meeting on Monday, pushing back their decision to August.
Now we need the EIJB to work and engage with the third sector to find solutions that will not leave some of the most vulnerable people behind.
Now we need the EIJB to work and engage with the third sector to find solutions that will not leave some of the most vulnerable people behind.
Decision on third sector spending cuts pushed back until August as dozens of charities hang in balance - Deadline News
FOLLOWING a public meeting discussing proposed cuts to Edinburgh’s third sector, decisions have been pushed back to August this year.
www.deadlinenews.co.uk
May 29, 2025 at 12:50 PM
A win, but also just a short reprieve, we must keep the pressure up!
One audience member asked the Board:
‘what do I need to do to be a good enough return on investment?’
What a powerful question. One for which they had no answer.
It was an honour to chair the meeting & provide a platform for the people we support to have their voices heard.
‘what do I need to do to be a good enough return on investment?’
What a powerful question. One for which they had no answer.
It was an honour to chair the meeting & provide a platform for the people we support to have their voices heard.
"It is quite literally life-saving... there could be suicides, because people have nowhere else to go."
The Thrive Collective came together at a public meeting yesterday to show that cutting community mental health services in Edinburgh is a false economy.
Let Edinburgh Thrive.
The Thrive Collective came together at a public meeting yesterday to show that cutting community mental health services in Edinburgh is a false economy.
Let Edinburgh Thrive.
May 27, 2025 at 1:03 PM
One audience member asked the Board:
‘what do I need to do to be a good enough return on investment?’
What a powerful question. One for which they had no answer.
It was an honour to chair the meeting & provide a platform for the people we support to have their voices heard.
‘what do I need to do to be a good enough return on investment?’
What a powerful question. One for which they had no answer.
It was an honour to chair the meeting & provide a platform for the people we support to have their voices heard.
What a fabulous trip to Sweden. I loved getting to discuss international perspectives of mental health in the work place and to meet so many fascinating people. Even more I loved getting to visit the Vasa Museum which I have wanted to go to for years!
May 22, 2025 at 6:20 AM
What a fabulous trip to Sweden. I loved getting to discuss international perspectives of mental health in the work place and to meet so many fascinating people. Even more I loved getting to visit the Vasa Museum which I have wanted to go to for years!
It doesn’t have to be this way. Today I have an op ed in the Edinburgh Evening News calling on a better way forward with funding for community mental health services in the capital: all of which are under threat.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
EIJB mental health support cuts are a fatally flawed plan - Nick Ward
It was never meant to be this way. The integration of Health and Social Care was meant to be about more joined-up thinking: investing in making a difference earlier by ensuring that people get the sup...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
May 19, 2025 at 7:49 AM
It doesn’t have to be this way. Today I have an op ed in the Edinburgh Evening News calling on a better way forward with funding for community mental health services in the capital: all of which are under threat.
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
We are hosting a public meeting in order to figure out a way forward for vital mental health services in Edinburgh. If you care about mental health services and the power of early intervention and prevention then I strongly urge you to come!
🛑 The future of community mental health support in Edinburgh is at risk.
Join us for an urgent public meeting to hear from those who deliver these services and those whose lives depend on them.
📆 Monday 26 May at 5PM
📍 Augustine United Church
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/let-edinbu...
Join us for an urgent public meeting to hear from those who deliver these services and those whose lives depend on them.
📆 Monday 26 May at 5PM
📍 Augustine United Church
Register here 👇
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/let-edinbu...
May 16, 2025 at 12:27 PM
We are hosting a public meeting in order to figure out a way forward for vital mental health services in Edinburgh. If you care about mental health services and the power of early intervention and prevention then I strongly urge you to come!
We are finally ready to share our new training! Available to organisations who want to improve the knowledge and skills of their staff on mental health. Expert led and evidence based, we believe we are offering something really exciting here.
It has been a huge amount of work but will be worth it!
It has been a huge amount of work but will be worth it!
📣 We're really excited to launch our new training offer!
From bite-size to more comprehensive training, build a mentally healthy workplace with our expert-led and evidence-based mental health training that's designed for real impact.
Have a browse 👇
From bite-size to more comprehensive training, build a mentally healthy workplace with our expert-led and evidence-based mental health training that's designed for real impact.
Have a browse 👇
Mental Health Training - Change Mental Health
Browse our selection of mental health training courses. Explore workshops on suicide prevention, burnout, leadership & more to support mental health awareness.
changemh.org
May 13, 2025 at 8:31 AM
We are finally ready to share our new training! Available to organisations who want to improve the knowledge and skills of their staff on mental health. Expert led and evidence based, we believe we are offering something really exciting here.
It has been a huge amount of work but will be worth it!
It has been a huge amount of work but will be worth it!
Reposted by Nick Ward
@edinburghminute.bsky.social reports proposed cuts to Thrive Edinburgh. With clear links between #mentalhealth and #risktakingbehaviour in young people, leaving 4,367 people in #Edinburgh would be without community mental health support is hugely concerning.
#youthwork #community
#youthwork #community
Thank you to @edinburghminute.bsky.social for doing such a big feature on the proposed mental health cuts. They really will be devastating for so many in the city and seem so incredibly short sighted and ultimately self defeating. It is good a light is being shone on this potential tragedy!
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Today’s headlines: Tributes to Sir Tom Farmer, schools cyber attack, mental health cuts + henna art workshop
⏰ Edinburgh’s ad-free local news: edinburghminute.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
🌝 Photo by @tomduffinphotos.bsky.social
#edinburgh #scotland
⏰ Edinburgh’s ad-free local news: edinburghminute.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
🌝 Photo by @tomduffinphotos.bsky.social
#edinburgh #scotland
May 12, 2025 at 8:46 AM
@edinburghminute.bsky.social reports proposed cuts to Thrive Edinburgh. With clear links between #mentalhealth and #risktakingbehaviour in young people, leaving 4,367 people in #Edinburgh would be without community mental health support is hugely concerning.
#youthwork #community
#youthwork #community
Thank you to @edinburghminute.bsky.social for doing such a big feature on the proposed mental health cuts. They really will be devastating for so many in the city and seem so incredibly short sighted and ultimately self defeating. It is good a light is being shone on this potential tragedy!
🌤️ Good morning Edinburgh. Today’s headlines: Tributes to Sir Tom Farmer, schools cyber attack, mental health cuts + henna art workshop
⏰ Edinburgh’s ad-free local news: edinburghminute.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
🌝 Photo by @tomduffinphotos.bsky.social
#edinburgh #scotland
⏰ Edinburgh’s ad-free local news: edinburghminute.substack.com/p/edinburgh-...
🌝 Photo by @tomduffinphotos.bsky.social
#edinburgh #scotland
May 12, 2025 at 6:40 AM
Thank you to @edinburghminute.bsky.social for doing such a big feature on the proposed mental health cuts. They really will be devastating for so many in the city and seem so incredibly short sighted and ultimately self defeating. It is good a light is being shone on this potential tragedy!