Merger – Humankind

Merger between Richmond Fellowship and Humankind completed

Mark Hindwell

An image containing the Humankind logo on the left and the Richmond Fellowship logo on the right

Further to our previous announcement in December, Humankind today completed the merger process with Richmond Fellowship to form a new national charity to better support those with multiple/complex needs, including mental health, alcohol, drugs and other related areas.

What Has Happened and Why

Combining 105 years of specialist experience, we are aligned in recognising the importance of better supporting those with interconnected needs and have concluded that we will be better able to do so by bringing together our collective expertise and delivery capabilities.

Celebrating the completion of the initial phase, that our organisations have legally merged ahead of our new charity’s full October launch, Carolyn Regan, Chair of the Board said:

“I’m delighted we have successfully reached the first stage of the merger. Coming together as a new organisation will allow us to provide more effective support for the people we serve as we build on the legacy of the two charities.”

To lead the new charity and the next phase of integration, a new Board and Group Executive Management team has been appointed from within Humankind and Richmond Fellowship’s existing leadership. On behalf of the charity’s leadership team, Paul Townsley, Chief Executive of the new charity stated:

“June 2024 marks the start of a new chapter for both Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, and I would like to thank all of our staff for their skilled efforts in getting us to this point. We can now look forward to working as one organisation, implementing our shared vision for the future, and starting the development of our longer-term strategy.”

What Next

The charity, which will continue to be the parent charity to Aquarius, will be fully launched on 1st October 2024, with a new name, identity, vision and strategy. It will bring together c.3,200 employees and 500 volunteers, delivering 244 services across a range of sectors, which serve over 28,300 beneficiaries.

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Humankind and Richmond Fellowship to merge to better support people facing multiple disadvantage

Jack Keery

An image containing the Humankind logo on the left and the Richmond Fellowship logo on the right

Richmond Fellowship and Humankind have announced that they are merging to form a single charity to better support even more people facing multiple disadvantage. 

This exciting development builds on the rich heritage of two charities that share values, ambitions and decades of experience supporting people with substance use, mental health, housing and associated needs.  

Derek Caren, CEO of Richmond Fellowship, said:

“Our organisations have a lot in common. We share a heartfelt belief that everyone should have a fair chance to live a life they value, and since our inception in 1959, Richmond Fellowship has worked hard to make recovery a reality for all.  

“Joining forces with Humankind will allow us to break down some of the barriers that stop people getting the support they need and allow us to offer innovative, integrated services to more people across England.” 

Paul Townsley, CEO of Humankind, said:

“From the very start of my career it’s been clear that drug and alcohol, housing and mental health support need to be brought closer together and work better for the communities we support. That’s why I am so excited about this new chapter for both organisations.  

“This merger creates a unique opportunity to develop new, broader service models, invest more in our people, and use our shared experience and insights to influence policy and practice across the sector.”  

Further information on next steps of the merger will be shared in the new year.


 

  • Derek Caren, CEO of Richmond Fellowship, is retiring in early 2024 and Paul Townsley, CEO of Humankind, will become CEO of the new organisation and oversee the merger.
  • Carolyn Regan, current Chair of Recovery Focus will become the Chair of the new organisation, whilst Caroline Gitsham, current Chair of Humankind will become the Vice Chair.
  • Aquarius (currently a subsidiary of Richmond Fellowship) will become a subsidiary of the new organisation.
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