Falklands War veteran Simon Weston was the Keynote Speaker at this year’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Wales Awards and Conference.
Held at Cardiff City Hall, the event welcomed more than 300 people as finalists, speakers and exhibitors. The awards and conference are an integral part of the mental health calendar in Wales and, this year, more than 200 nominations were received in the 10 categories.
They are held to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of people in Wales who strive to make mental health a priority, ensuring that wellbeing is at the heart of every part of life.
As well as Mr Weston, the event was attended by Councillor Bablin Molik, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff; Dr Emily Letran, author of The Shocking Blessing of Fear; Beth Baldwin, who wrote Growing Through Grief; and Neil Ingham who was the author of Suicide: Who, When & How to Reach.
This year, the Trudy Williams Special Recognition Award went to Maggie Corkhill for her commitment to raising awareness of suicide and the dangers of cocaine and alcohol. The award is given in memory of Trudy, a major supporter of mental health services who was killed in a car crash last year. At the time of her death, Trudy was working with the Cardiff-based community interest company, The Ajuda Foundation, part of which involved organising events such as The Mental Health & Wellbeing Wales Awards.
“Maggie is well known by organisations throughout South Wales, and people have the utmost respect for her, always speaking very highly of her,” said Dawn Evans, the MD of Cardiff-based training company Ajuda, and founder of The Mental Health and Wellbeing Wales Awards and Conference.
“Maggie is someone who is not afraid to challenge for change and she does all this with energy, enthusiasm, and a kind smile.
“All of our winners in every category are committed advocates for mental health, and are all to be congratulated for their dedication and hard work to ensure that wellbeing is a priority in all areas of life.”
Speaking of the success of the event, Mrs Evans added: ““It was beyond all expectations that I had of the event, and to see so many inspirational people in one room was incredible.
“I’m so glad that The Ajuda Foundation is able to stage events like this so that we can acknowledge the people who work so hard in Wales to keep the conversation going about mental health and wellbeing.”
Next year’s awards will be on held on October 11. Applications open April 1 and close on July 20. Finalists will be announced on September 2, and tickets go on sale on September 3.
Winners:
- Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Rookwood Sound– Karl Bailey, C.A.L.L. Helpline
- Inspiring Young Person sponsored by Really Pro – Keira Phillips
- Best Mental Health Support Service sponsored by C.A.L.L. Helpline – Advance Brighter Futures.
- Best Wellbeing Product sponsored by Potential to Succeed CIC – ROKMAN
- Inspiring Charitable Organisation sponsored by 3SC – Community Furniture Aid – Marianne & Julian Cash
- Inspiring Individual sponsored by ACT – Zoe John
- Best Wellbeing Service sponsored by Family Pathways – Hywel Dda University Health Board Smoking & Wellbeing Team.
- Workplace Wellbeing sponsored by CMC Partnership Consultancy – ACT
- Outstanding Impact in Education sponsored by KINBEE – Timbrell Education
- Inspirational Leader sponsored by Effective HRM – Keir Harding
- The Trudy Williams Special Recognition Award sponsored by The Ajuda Foundation – Maggie Corkhill
