Personal papers of Edith Morgan (1920-2003)

The collection includes papers relating to the National Association for Mental Health (later Mind - the mental health charity) concerning the development of its pioneering local network, 1950s-1980s; minutes, correspondence and subject files relating to a wide range of World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) activity and the establishment and operation of Mental Health Europe (founded as the European Regional Council of WFMH in 1985); correspondence, reports and papers relating to the Good Practices in Mental Health project (later transformed into an institution) and mental health issues and campagins in various countries around the world; papers on the work of the UK Mental Health Act Commission; correspondence, reports, studies, conference papers and other documents on a wide range of UK and international mental health issues. Throughout the collection, there are numerous files and series of files pertaining to mental health of women (in the UK and internationally) as well as care in the community.

This collection has been arranged according to Morgan's work with different organisations throughout her career. Please bear in mind there is much overlap between subject matters in the material despite being produced under different organisations.

The sections are as follows:

A National Association for Mental Health (NAMH), later MIND

B World Federation for Mental Helath (WFMH)

C Good Practices in Mental Health (GPMH)

D Mental Health Act Commission

E Other mental health organisations.

Edith Morgan née Wilson was educated at St Hugh's College Oxford, where she studied politics, philosophy and economics graduating in 1949, and at the London School of Economics where she qualified in Social Administration, graduating in 1950. In 1954, after three years working as a social worker in child care in London, Morgan joined the National Association for Mental Health (NAMH, today known as Mind, the mental health charity) and was associated with the organisation for more than 40 years.

Initially Morgan was involved in Mind's working parties and committees in relation to clinical and social services and in organising conferences and publications on child guidance. In addition she acted as the organisation's international liaison officer and as Secretary to the UK Committee of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). She organised and supervised study programmes for overseas visitors and in 1960 promoted and co-ordinated World Mental Health Year in the UK. This began an international dimension to her work which remained a focus throughout her life. From the 1960s onwards she served on the Board and the Executive Committee of the WFMH and in 1968 she organised its Congress in London.

In 1960, following the 1959 Mental Health Act, Morgan set up a new community programme for Mind based on local mental health associations. The prioneering model she implemented was based on principles of social justice and emphasised an equal partnership between all those involved (professionals, volunteers, people with experience of mental health and their families).

In 1965 Morgan was appointed Deputy Director of Mind, remaining with the organisation until her retirement in 1980 when she became a Vice President. She expanded Mind's community and regional work and was involved in many aspects of its campaigning. During the 1960s and 1970s she also served on many other bodies and committees relating to mental health. In 1977, at the invitation of the International Hospital Federation and whilst on secondment from Mind, she set up an international project on Good Practices in Mental Health (GPMH) which subsequently developed into a small organisation.

In 1977 she was elected European Vice President for WFMH and in 1984 she left GPMH to concentrate on other activities, including becoming President of WFMH (1985-1987), and in 1985 she helped to establish Mental Health Europe, which developed from the European Regional Council of WFMH.

In the 1980s Morgan also served on the new UK Mental Health Act Commission and its Central Policy Committee, visiting mental hospitals to ensure that patients' rights were upheld, responding to complaints and drafting a code of practice. She took a particular interest in the use of seclusion and restraint and also established a Committee on Black and Ethnic Issues.

After retiring from paid employment, Morgan continued to work in a voluntary capacity, concentrating her efforts locally, but remaining in touch with international developments. She died in 2003.

At Wellcome Collection:

SA/MIN