APP Chief Executive Dr Jess Heron inducted into the Charity Hall of Fame
Dr Jess Heron, APP’s Chief Executive, has been inducted into the Charity Hall of Fame, the UK’s (and the world’s) first Hall of Fame dedicated to civil society. It was created to honour and celebrate individuals - from the past and the present - whose work has transformed communities and driven positive change
Twenty-two inductees have been selected for the inaugural Class of 2025, including Jess, who founded APP as a charity in 2010. The historic pioneers being inducted include Mary Seacole, the nurse who provided critical care during the Crimean War; Olaudah Equiano, writer and abolitionist; and Josephine Butler, a campaigner for women’s rights. Modern-day changemakers honoured include human rights defender Chris Abbott and Kris Hallenga, breast cancer activist and founder of CoppaFeel!
Under Jess’s leadership, APP has grown from two part time staff in 2011 to a team of 28 today – 80% of whom have lived experience. It’s the only UK charity - and one of just a few worldwide - dedicated to supporting mothers and families affected by postpartum psychosis (PP), a severe but treatable mental illness that begins following childbirth. APP’s work has precipitated a sea-change in the public understanding of postpartum psychosis, as well as improvements in information, care and support for women and families.
Jess studied Experimental Psychology at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, has a PhD in Psychiatry, and a Postdoctoral Training Fellowship in Primary Care and Public Health. She led the Perinatal Research Programme at The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for 4 years, before returning as a Senior Research Fellow to Birmingham University. Jess began managing the APP research network at Birmingham University in 2007 and founded the charity in 2010 to address: the high maternal suicide rates caused by PP; lack of accessible patient information; and the lack of support during recovery. The charity became independent of Birmingham University in 2023.
Earlier this year, APP was selected as one of 10 winners of the prestigious 2025 GSK IMPACT awards, a mark of excellence in the charity sector, recognising outstanding work by small and medium sized charities.
Jess enters the Hall of Fame as one of its ‘social pioneers’ for her leadership of APP, setting up ground breaking peer support services, specialist training for health professionals, developing accessible patient information, setting up networks and collaborations to break the silence surrounding postpartum psychosis and for facilitating vital research into PP. Jess said:
I am delighted and feel very privileged to be selected as a Hall of Fame inductee. Much has changed over the past two decades for families affected by postpartum psychosis. It has been a joy to work with so many impressive and dedicated staff and volunteers to improve care and change public perceptions of PP.
The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees were selected by an independent panel of charity and community experts from a long list of public nominations. Malcolm John, Chair of the Induction Panel said;
Selecting the inaugural Class of 2025 was no easy task, as we had an incredible and diverse range of nominees. However, these inductees truly shine a light on what it means to create lasting change. Their impact is felt not just in the UK, but across the world, and we are proud to honour their legacy.
For more information, visit: www.charityhall.org.