The two leading mental health organisations in York will merge by April 2011 to become a “major player in the voluntary sector in York”.

Former general manager of Our Celebration, David Smith will lead the new organisation as CEO. Dr Patrick Kaye and Rodger Thompson, the current chairmen of Our Celebration and York Mind respectively, said in a joint statement: “We look forward to working with him to bring together these two much valued local charities, to create a single organisation with a strong and sustainable future, which will be the lead provider of mental health services in the area.”

The two charities believe the merger, which was underway before announced cuts last April, would help them fare better against further budget cuts and aim to maintain both charities’ level of staffing.

The charities will adopt joint branding initially, before affiliating under the national Mind brand before a public re-launch in April.

The charities' combined 26 employees currently help more than 1,650 people each year across York but the merger will combine services to provide enhanced support and improved training for volunteers.