‘Leading a Community-Based Mental Health Charity’, Will Ward, CEO WALSH Trust

In this episode, Will shares the work of WALSH Trust—an organisation that has been providing mental health, wellbeing, and residential support services to communities in West Auckland, New Zealand, for more than 30 years. Deeply embedded in the local area, WALSH Trust is known for its consistency and commitment—supporting people through complex challenges, no matter what’s happening in the wider system.

Originally from Ireland, Will is a proud Irishman who now calls Aotearoa home. His journey has been shaped by a broad mix of experiences—spanning frontline services, leadership roles, governance, and coaching. In addition to his role at WALSH Trust, Will is a leadership coach with a genuine passion for helping others become the best version of themselves. He’s particularly focused on helping people recognise and move beyond self-limiting beliefs—those quiet, often unnoticed narratives that can hold us back.

Will brings this perspective to his work every day. While open about the challenges facing the mental health and community sector—such as policy shifts, funding limitations, and workforce pressures—he remains clear that the focus must always stay on people. “The people we support need us to show up with them every day,” he says. It’s a principle that drives both the organisation and his approach to leadership.

Sport has also played a role in shaping Will’s thinking. Growing up in Ireland, football was a big part of life. After moving to New Zealand, rugby league took that place. He appreciates the structure and clarity sport can bring—lessons that carry through to how he leads teams: understand your role, stay grounded, and keep moving forward together.

Will also brings strong governance experience to the conversation, with a background in both charity and community boards. He understands the importance of good decision-making, especially when resources are tight and expectations are high. That strategic view, combined with practical leadership and coaching, gives him a well-rounded perspective on how to steer an organisation through change while staying true to its mission.

A core part of his philosophy is the idea that we are shaped by the people around us. Will encourages reflection on whether our networks are helping us grow—or simply keeping us comfortable. “Are the people around you helping you move forward—or just maintaining the status quo?” It’s a question that applies both personally and within teams, and one that has helped shape the culture at WALSH Trust.

With a strong local focus, WALSH Trust works closely with the communities of West Auckland. It’s not about chasing scale—it’s about being useful, adaptable, and responsive to real needs. Will is clear-eyed about the limitations but remains confident in the Trust’s future. “We’ve been around for nearly 40 years, and we’ll be around for a lot longer,” he says—more as a commitment than a prediction.

It is evident that Will's combination of frontline experience, governance insight, and coaching perspective brings clarity to the complex world of community service. No jargon, no ego—just a strong belief in people, purpose, and showing up when it counts.