Prior to the 1990s, mental health care in the UK was predominantly based in large institutions. The move towards community care had been recognised, but the logistical transition was far from complete. Some psychiatric units had been established within District General Hospitals, and Community Psychiatric Nursing (CPN)—introduced as early as 1954—was still not fully embedded. The interface between hospital and community services, as well as between mental health providers, general hospitals, and social services, remained fragmented. Yet by the end of the 1990s, there were more than 8,000 Community Psychiatric Nurses, reflecting their growing importance in both primary and specialist care.

In these formative years, pioneers such as Chris Atha played a crucial role in shaping the future of services. True pioneers often influence multiple areas of practice, and Chris was no exception. His contributions spanned at least four key domains:

• Community Psychiatric Nursing
• Liaison Psychiatry
• The early implementation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in nursing
• Collaborative research.

Chris brought a quiet but powerful influence to the transformation of services. His ability to effect change and inspire others stemmed from his strengths in engaged listening, focused conversations, and thoughtful networking.

Chris was not afraid to challenge established systems and proved himself an effective political figure. Early in his career, he led his team—alongside service users—in a five-day sit-in to prevent the closure of the Liaison Psychiatry Ward at Leeds General Infirmary, where he was Charge Nurse. The campaign succeeded and attracted significant local media coverage, highlighting both the importance of the service and Chris’s determination.

Liaison Psychiatry services had first emerged in the United States, and by the 1970s specialist services were beginning to take shape in the UK. A major driver of this development was the relocation of psychiatric units onto District General Hospital sites. These services initially focused on addressing the mental health needs of patients being treated primarily for physical health conditions. Research showed that the prevalence of mental illness among people with physical health problems was two to three times higher than in the general population.

As Charge Nurse in the Leeds Liaison Psychiatry Unit, Chris worked in a field with no clear blueprint. The service was very much a work in progress, requiring innovation and adaptability—qualities he embodied.

Chris later moved into community nursing and became a founding member of the Community Psychiatric Nurses Association (CPNA). As one of the first CPNs appointed outside London, he was passionate about the opportunities the role offered—both as a professional career pathway and as a vital support for service users.

The CPNA was highly influential in shaping the emerging role of CPNs as community care expanded. It provided a professional voice, a platform for research and policy debate, and essential peer support. This was particularly important as CPNs often worked in small, isolated teams. Through this network, Chris helped establish the Community Psychiatric Journal, which later evolved into today’s Journal of Mental Health Nursing.

Chris’s pioneering spirit extended beyond service development. He valued authenticity, collaboration, and the expertise of others, which was reflected in his research and publications. He developed a particular interest in the role of Accident and Emergency Departments as critical points for early detection, triage, and treatment of people in mental health crisis. His aim was to reduce unnecessary hospitalisation by intervening earlier.

It was here that Chris deepened his interest in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). At a time when CBT was only just being introduced in the UK, he became one of the first nurses to train and practice in this modality. He used his therapeutic skills to engage with people who had experienced multiple suicide attempts, applying CBT to support recovery.

His investigative, patient-centred approach led to numerous collaborative publications with clinicians and academics. Though not always diplomatic, Chris was thoughtful and persistent, ensuring that the voice of mental health nursing was firmly established in multidisciplinary research and publication.

While Chris Atha’s name may not be as widely recognised as some other pioneers, his contributions to nursing practice were profound. From community care to liaison psychiatry, from professional advocacy to therapeutic innovation, his work helped shape modern mental health services. His legacy is one of quiet determination, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to improving care.