James Durcan
About James Durcan
James Durcan is a Physical Activity Officer at Mind, specializing in partnerships and projects. He has a background in sports coordination and leadership, having previously served as YUSU President and worked with various organizations to promote physical activity and mental health.
Current Role at Mind
James Durcan currently serves as the Physical Activity Officer (Partnerships & Projects) at Mind, a mental health charity. He has held this position since 2021. In this role, he focuses on developing partnerships and projects that promote physical activity as a means to improve mental health outcomes. His work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance community engagement and support initiatives that align with Mind's mission.
Previous Experience at Mind
Prior to his current role, James Durcan worked at Mind as the Club and Communities Coordinator for the EFL Charity Partnership from 2019 to 2020. He also served as a Sport & Physical Activity Sector consultant for four months in 2020. During his time in these positions, he contributed to various projects aimed at increasing awareness and participation in physical activities to support mental health.
Education and Academic Background
James Durcan studied at the University of York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from 2015 to 2018. He also attended Davenant Foundation School from 2013 to 2015 and The Palmer Catholic Academy from 2008 to 2013. His educational background has provided him with a solid foundation for his roles in community engagement and project management.
Leadership Roles at University of York
During his time at the University of York, James Durcan held several leadership positions. He was the YUSU President from 2018 to 2019, where he chaired the Board of Trustees and played a significant role in various initiatives, including the recruitment of the next Vice-Chancellor. Additionally, he served as Chair of James College JCRC in 2017, a voluntary elected role that involved representing student interests.
Achievements in Community Engagement
James Durcan has a track record of successful community engagement initiatives. While serving as YUSU President, he brokered a key relationship with Leyton Orient, resulting in Mind's logo being featured on their 2020/21 kit as part of a sponsorship deal. He also raised over £18,000 through local match day activations during the EFL partnership, demonstrating his ability to mobilize resources for community-focused projects.