Mental health awards launched
Sir Ben Ainslie, Gary Lineker, Stephen Fry and Gabby Logan are amongst a host of celebrities and politicians joining a campaign to promote the launching of new national awards to celebrate mental health.
The Mental Health and Well-being Awards are a celebration of effective mental health or well-being interventions across the UK. Organisations, charities, health services, providers, professionals and members of the public are being invited to nominate those who have gone above and beyond in making the difference to those experiencing mental health difficulties, or helping enhance people’s wellbeing.
Former international gymnast, Gabby Logan says
“It is vital we consider mental health in the same way we consider physical health. I'm all for looking after our bodies, our heart, being fit and strong, but there's no point if everything on the outside works, but inside we have issues that we can't talk about.”
The inaugural awards feature six categories, including a category for celebrating those who have overcome their own difficulties:
- innovative mental health intervention.
- innovative proactive well-being activity.
- long-term impact (open to reactive or proactive interventions).
- the lifestyle award (evidence of lifestyle change in a population).
- outstanding contribution to the mental health and wellbeing sector.
- inspirational story (categories for children and adults).
Chair of the awards, Richard Daniel Curtis says, “Mental health affects all of us and for those who struggle, people who make a difference to their well-being are life savers. These awards are designed to celebrate those hard-working individuals and teams who really make a difference to other people’s mental health.”
The awards have already attracted large support from other figures. Leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn MP, said “It’s important to recognise the significance mental health and wellbeing plays in our daily lives. It’s fantastic to see organisations and individuals supporting people to overcome challenges, lead healthier lives and encourage mental wellbeing being given the opportunity to share their stories.”
Simon Blake, Chief Executive, Mental Health First Aid England said: “It is fantastic to see effective mental health and wellbeing interventions being celebrated across the UK. The more we talk about mental health, the better life is for all of us. We want a society where everyone can talk freely about mental health and seek help when needed, allowing everyone to thrive.”
Entries for the awards are open now and close in January. The judging panel is made up of mental health organisations from across the UK, such as the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, Mental Health First Aid England and Mindwise. An awards ceremony is expected in March and several media outlets have already expressed an interest in being involved.
For more information on the awards, go to www.mentalhealthandwellbeingawards.com.
