Stephen Fry is to become the new president of mental health charity Mind, succeeding Lord Melvyn Bragg who is to step down after fifteen years in the role.

Fry has been a Mind supporter for a number of years and was named Mind Champion in 2007 for his award-winning documentary The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive.

Paul Farmer, Mind’s chief executive, said:
“I am thrilled that Stephen Fry is to become the next president of Mind. He has already done much to reduce the stigma around mental health through his television documentary and his writing, honestly describing his experiences of bipolar disorder. I am certain that he will prove to be an inspiring leader of our charity and will continue to provide hope and inspiration to anyone who experiences a mental health problem.
 
“This is an exciting time in mental health as we start to see real changes in attitudes and I know that Stephen will be instrumental in helping us to continue the momentum that we have built up under Lord Bragg’s leadership.”