Six Connections gains Community Interest Company status

Mental health champion Six Connections has become a Community Interest Company and appointed a board of non-executive directors from the local business community.

The Burnley-based organisation was launched in 2020 by Dave Scholes following the suicide of a friend, and its mission is to power meaningful conversations about mental health. It recently won the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Red Rose Awards.

A CIC is a limited company granted special status by the UK government in return for putting community interests ahead of private shareholder remuneration. Holding such status is proof that the organisation is committed to its causes and it can also open doors to certain kinds of funding and support.

Dave, who launched the CIC in partnership with Andi Lewis, said: "Since setting up Six Connections, I have met so many brilliant businesspeople who deeply care about this cause. Our newly appointed board of non-executive directors, all sharing a common passion and commitment, are set to propel our mission forward."

Lisa Sourbutts, managing director of Cube HR and Six Connections CIC board member, said: "I joined the board because the values of Six Connections are the same as my own. People are at the centre of everything I do and that’s always been important to me both personally and professionally. I want to help share Dave & Andi’s vision to save the world one conversation at a time - Powered by Mates."

Lesley Burrows, managing director of Positive Footprints has also joined the board. She explained: "I have family and friends who have struggled with mental health and lost  a male friend to suicide when I was younger. Supporting people to talk more openly about mental health and providing means of support is close to my heart."

Jaydee Davis, managing director at Community & Business Partners, added: "I am thrilled to have been asked to join the CIC board of Six Connections Community, inspired by Dave's unwavering passion and the organisation's mission to save the world."