News

The Trustees of YANA are delighted that Emma Haley has joined YANA as Charity Manager. Starting this autumn, she has already taken on day-to-day running of our charity and getting to know the names and faces of those we work with and strengthening our relationship with our supporters.

Priorities for the months ahead

Emma will be focused on engaging with companies and organisations across the agricultural and rural business community and building further awareness and support for rural mental health, developing new campaigns and increasing the impact we have.

Our YANA trustees have welcomed Emma’s arrival.  Henry Kilvert, YANA Chair, says “the board are looking forward to getting on with the the business of being Trustees, focusing on the governance and strategic direction of YANA whilst Emma manages the day to day running of the charity”.

Bringing the right skills set for the role

We asked Emma to explain why joining YANA was important to her. “I have had a long-standing interest in mental health and overall wellbeing. Over the last 20 years I have sought to deepen my understanding of the many factors and complex issues that affect our mental health. I have lived through the devastating effect poor mental health can have, not only on the individuals concerned but also their families and friends.”

Emma Haley YANA Charity Manager

Emma Haley, YANA Charity Manager

It is this that motivated Emma to be a part of YANA and its legacy of improving mental health in farming and rural business. “Whilst my background is not in farming, my previous experience does lie with charities and with mental health. I have learnt more than I could imagine already. It has been refreshing to talk to so many people that have such passion for their industry, even amidst the difficulties.

Emma is Trustee of HOPE (Hope after Suicide Loss ), a charity providing support in Norfolk and Suffolk to those bereaved by suicide. During her career she has held a variety of managerial and administrative positions in the charity sector. Emma brings considerable leadership experience in charity development, evaluation, data management, monitoring and mental health research.

Opportunity to grow YANA’s rural mental health support

With Emma as manager, YANA now has new potential and momentum. “The opportunity to be part of a charity that has such an effective approach, creating real positive impact and fundamental change, over time, to a whole community, is something that I could not pass by”, says Emma. “So here I am, taking on new challenges, overcoming barriers, and celebrating the achievements that everyone involved with YANA contributes to and creates.”