About us

NELFT provides an extensive range of integrated community and mental health services for people living in the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Redbridge and Waltham Forest and community health services for people living in the south west Essex areas of Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock. We provide an Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Service for children and young people across the whole of Essex. We are the provider of all age eating disorder services and child and adolescent mental health services across Kent and Medway.

With an annual budget of £490 million, we provide care and treatment for a population of circa 4.3 million. We employ approximately 7,500 staff who work across 210 bases in London, Essex, Kent and Medway.

Meet our Trust board

The Trust board is made up of executive and non-executive directors. They work together to set the strategic direction and priorities for our organisation. They are held to account by our Council of Governors.

The executive directors are also part of our wider Executive Management Team, which is responsible for the day to day running of the Trust. Other members of our Executive Management Team attend board meetings.

Headshots of all the board members smiling at the camera

Trust Values

Working with our colleagues, patients and carers we have co-produced three new values that we aim to embed within our culture here at NELFT.

They are:

We are kind

What does being kind mean?

"I once saw a sign that stuck with me, it said ‘Act of Kindness – Pass It On’. Kindness is about helping others and making someone’s day easier, even in the smallest way. Whether it’s a listening ear, a calm presence, or a thoughtful compliment – these gestures are free and impactful. Kindness is contagious, let’s pass it on. " Gul Begum, Involvement Representative 

We are respectful

What does being respectful mean?

"Respect means valuing each person for who they are, making sure everyone feels heard, valued, and treated with dignity. As a Black Muslim mother, I appreciate when my intersectional needs are considered such as a prayer space, a child-friendly meeting, or culturally appropriate support. Respect is being open-minded and appreciating each other.”  Racheal Howison, Involvement Representative.

We work together with our communities

What does working together with our communities mean?

"The best care happens when we work together – it’s about listening, connecting, and taking action. When services come to where people are such as schools, community centres, and local spaces - it makes all the difference. Prevention is better than cure, and by engaging early, we help people live happier and healthier lives." John Lutchmiah, Involvement Representative.

 

These three values help us to  strive to provide the best care by the best people.

How NELFT is structured

We cover a large area which spans North East London, Essex, Kent and Medway, providing community and mental health services. 

Our Directorates are:

  • Acute and Rehabilitation
  • Barking and Dagenham
  • Essex, Kent and Medway
  • Havering
  • Redbridge
  • Waltham Forest

They are supported by Trustwide corporate services including:

  • HR
  • Finance
  • Safeguarding
  • Quality and patient safety (QPS)
  • Corporate communications and engagement
  • Training and development
  • Research and development
  • Estates

Download our organisation structure below:

NELFT Org chart - updated August 2024