Reflections on Leadership Role as Fellow in Ageing and Mental Health with the National Institute of Mental Health England 2003‐2006

The National Institute of Mental Health England (NIMHE) appointed a Fellow in Ageing and Mental Health to take on a national leadership role for a three‐year period from 2003 to 2006. Starting from a position where the NIMHE website could only address older adult issues under social exclusion, a group of committed individuals in a range of organisations came together and a regional and national work programme in older people's mental health was developed. This paper offers reflections on the issues raised during the Fellowship in respect of older people's mental health services and this Fellowship model of leadership.