The new Mayor of Richmond upon Thames and their chosen Deputy were formally announced on 14 May at a special meeting of Richmond Council.

Cllr Richard Pyne, a Liberal Democrat Councillor for North Richmond, becomes the 59th Mayor of the borough and will serve a twelve-month term.

He has chosen to raise money for two local charities during his mayoral term, Richmond Borough Mind and Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow (Home-Start RKH).

Richmond Borough Mind supports those affected by mental health problems by providing a wide range of services, including talking therapy, and crisis support, catering to a broad spectrum of needs from mild to severe.

They empower local people to make informed choices about their mental health recovery and ensuring timely access to the right support.

Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind Circle cafe (credit: HFEH Mind).

Home-Start RKH provides mental and practical support for local families with children under the age of five who are facing mental health difficulties, post-natal depression, isolation, loneliness, the effects of domestic abuse and physical health problems.

Cllr Kuldev Sehra from Whitton ward will serve as Deputy Mayor.

Cllr Pyne said: "I have chosen Richmond Borough Mind as I have known from personal family experience of the severe effects of depression and other mental health conditions on sufferers and those close to them. Richmond Borough Mind provide a range of services including 1-to-1 counselling and psychotherapy services.

"They focus on promoting independence and supporting people on their road to self-recovery.

Home-Start RKH is a local charity focussing on young children up to the age of five and their families who may suffer from a range of problems including health, financial, housing and isolation issues.

Its services has expanded to include telephone support, 'walk and talk' sessions, home visits and family play-and-support groups, both in-person and online.

Home Start RKH supports families with young children (credit: Home Start RKH).

Cristiana Camisotti, Chief Executive Officer of Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, said: "Home-Start RKH is delighted and deeply honoured to have been chosen as one of the Mayor's charities this year. 

"We look forward to working together to raise awareness of our work in providing much needed support to local families and children, so that every child has the opportunity to thrive."

Gurjit Mahil, Chair of Trustees of Richmond Borough Mind said: "As an organisation we are extremely delighted to be given the honour of being chosen as the Mayor's charity. We look forward to continuing to serve our population by promoting good mental health by offering high quality services, so no one feels alone on their journey."

Cllr Pyne replaces Suzette Nicholson who had served as Mayor since May 2023.

Find out more about Richmond Borough Mind and Home-Start RKH here.