FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Polly Mackenzie steps down as Director of Money and Mental Health

 

After leading the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute through its very successful first two years, Polly Mackenzie is stepping down as Director to take up a new position as Director and Chief Executive of Demos, Britain’s leading cross-party think-tank.

Polly has been fundamental in establishing Money and Mental Health as a leading voice on the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems. During her time as Director her leadership and vision has led to changes in the financial services industry, in policy and in the health system, taking us a step closer to a world where mental health problems do not lead to a life in financial difficulty. Polly has been an inspiring leader and remains a strong advocate for our work, we wish her every success in her new role.

 

Martin Lewis, Founder and Chair of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute said:

“Our loss is Demos’ gain – we’re delighted to see Polly continue to move from strength to strength. As a relatively new charity, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has already had a huge impact and is recognised as the authorative expert on these issues by politicians, regulators and business. Polly and her team have made that happen and I want to thank her for all the hard work and dedication.  

“Thankfully, the brilliant team that Polly has put together leaves us in a very strong position to continue this work. And we’re very lucky that Simon Crine, who was interim director during Polly’s maternity cover, will continue in that role for at least the next six months; his experience and drive will allow us to continue to push for better rules, regulations, policy and support for those caught between financial and mental health problems.”

 

Polly Mackenzie commented:

“Money and Mental Health has made a massive impact in its first two years because of the way we work: listening to the voices of thousands of people with mental health problems, and bringing their stories to regulators, businesses, politicians, and NHS leaders.

“I’m so proud to have led an amazing team, who I know will continue their daily work to improve the lives of everyone with a mental health problem or in financial difficulty.

“Martin Lewis is not just Britain’s best consumer champion but an inspirational philanthropist determined to transform the lives of vulnerable people. It has been an honour to work closely with him.

“But my biggest thanks go to the thousands of people who’ve had the courage to share their stories, even of the darkest times in their lives. Your help has made change possible.”

 

ENDS

 

Contact:

Helen Undy, 07827917829, [email protected] for all media enquiries including interviews with spokespeople.

 

Notes to Editors

  • The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute was set up by Martin Lewis in spring 2016, registered charity number 1166493.
  • Money and Mental Health is an independent charity, committed to breaking the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems. It conducts research, develops practical policy solutions and works in partnership with both those providing services and those using them to find what really works.
  • Polly Mackenzie was previously Director of Policy for the Deputy Prime Minister, working in Number 10 and the Cabinet Office, from 2010-2015.
  • Martin Lewis OBE, Money Saving Expert, is an award-winning campaigning broadcaster, newspaper columnist and author. He founded MoneySavingExpert.com in 2003 for £100 and remains its full-time Editor-in- Chief. It is now the UK’s biggest money site, with more than 14 million monthly users. Martin has his own prime-time ITV programme – The Martin Lewis Money Show – and is resident expert on This Morning, Good Morning Britain and BBC Radio 5 Live’s Consumer Panel, among others.