I’m Nic Henderson and I started as an Adviser and have progressed to Volunteer and Community Engagement Lead within the Rethink Advice & Information Service (RAIS).

I’ve been with Rethink for over 3 years now and came into the role with a strong interest in mental health and making sure people’s voices are genuinely heard. I have previously worked in education, local authority and administrative settings, so my career path has not been a straight line into mental health. 

What my role involves 

My job is about people. I work with volunteers, communities and lived experience partners to help shape services and make sure meaningful involvement is at the heart of what we do. No two days are the same. One day I might be working on engagement projects and another supporting volunteers or collaborating with colleagues to improve how we listen and learn from others. 

My experience at Rethink 

What I enjoy most about working at Rethink is the shared sense of purpose. People genuinely care about what they do and about each other. The culture feels values-led rather than corporate, and there’s space to be human at work. That’s a big reason I’ve stayed — it feels like somewhere my work actually makes a difference.  

Inclusion and support 

I’ve felt supported in really practical ways, whether that’s flexibility, understanding around wellbeing, or colleagues creating safe spaces to talk openly. There’s a strong culture of encouragement, and I’ve always felt able to be myself rather than having to fit a mould. 

Message to future candidates 

If you’re thinking of applying, my advice would be: go for it. Rethink is a place where your lived experience, ideas and individuality are valued. If you want to work somewhere that genuinely tries to practise what it preaches, this is it.