News

Make 2026 the year to get involved in your local NHS

Are you looking to turn a new leaf in the New Year? Instead of making a new year’s resolution to stop or give up something, why not turn it into a positive – resolve to get involved in your local NHS trust!

As the mental health provider across five north London boroughs from Camden’s West End to Enfield’s leafy Forty Hall, North London NHS Foundation Trust can connect you with dozens of opportunities to contribute to your local community – from peer mentoring to shaping our service developments, and everything in between.

Take a peak at the variety of ways you can get invovled…

Governors and members 

An NHS foundation trust has members and governors who contribute to shaping the organisation and its services. They bring real-life experience and diverse points of view to the heart of NLFT, and help ensure the Trust stays on track for delivering better mental health across north London.
Some governors represent particular communities involved in the trust, either local London areas, or stakeholders in the Trust’s work. 
Olga Cecilia Farach is deputy lead governor and the public governor for Islington. As well as representing the local area on the NLFT governing body, Olga is deeply involved in local community work including celebrating the significant contribution volunteers make in Islington.
In early November, Olga attended the Annual General Meeting of Voluntary Action Islington, which included the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards for 2025.

Describing the event, Olga said:

“The gathering served as a heartfelt reflection on the remarkable achievements of the past year, illuminating the invaluable contributions of volunteers who have tirelessly dedicated their time and efforts to the community. These have many connections with NLFT’s work in health and wellbeing.
“It was wonderful to be at the event, which took place at the Metropolitan University – a fitting backdrop for such a significant occasion!

“The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Jason Jackson, and former Mayor Anjna Khurana, presented awards to deserving nominees, and there was a strong focus on the promising future of the Islington voluntary, community, and faith sectors, filled with potential and opportunity.

“I was privileged to attend in my capacity as Islington public governor for NLFT. It’s very important that as a Trust, we work together with the Council and Voluntary Action Islington to better support the mental health and wellbeing of our public, and this is case not only for Islington but across the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, and Camden too.

“The Islington volunteer of the year award went to Chiann Wright from Hillside Clubhouse, which provides activities and support to people with mental health issues in Islington. It is so important that the NHS works in partnership with voluntary organisations and volunteers, and I would encourage anyone with an interest in mental health to get involved in volunteering – whether that’s through NLFT directly or by volunteering at a local service or charity, there are hundreds of different ways you can use your talents and interests in making your local community better as a volunteer.”

How to get involved?

Follow this link to find out how you can become an NLFT member: