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Norfolk and Waveney Mind Award Winners 2023
People who go above and beyond in supporting Norfolk and Waveney Mind have had their efforts celebrated at our first annual awards ceremony.
The generous assistance of businesses and individuals is vital in helping us tackle poor mental health in our region, and the awards’ four categories highlighted those whose efforts have particularly impressed our staff.
The Norfolk and Waveney Mind Awards were held on October 11th and the winners were:
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Partner Wellbeing Initiative of the Year:
Norfolk FA – for holding charity matches and supporting Norfolk and Waveney Mind.
The judges said: ‘The county FA continues its impressive commitment to hosting and promoting charity football matches, while working closely with Norfolk and Waveney Mind, its Official Charity Partner. This is part of a three-year strategy that places mental health at the heart of all the local FA does, with the aim that football coaches and teammates should feel confident and comfortable talking about mental health problems in the same way people discuss physical injuries.’
Also nominated were Howes Percival, for encouraging all staff to participate in Wellbeing Walking Wednesdays; Anglian Home Improvements, for their efforts to ensure staff know about wellbeing; and Rogers and Norton, for amazing commitment to our Walking to Prevent Suicide event.
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Outstanding Contribution to Norfolk and Waveney Mind:
Breckland Council – for transforming people’s lives in Breckland and improving health and wellbeing through its Inspiring Communities programme.
The judges said: ‘Along with its unwavering support in helping us establish our REST Community Wellbeing Hub in Thetford, the council has also built a network of Wellbeing Champions via its Mindful Towns initiative. More than 300 community champions have since been locally trained through the programme to have sensitive conversations and signpost anyone in need of mental health support.’
Also nominated: the ten-person Three Peaks Team, for their incredible fundraising efforts in doing the Three Peaks Challenge; and Lowestoft Town Council, for collaborating on and helping to fund our Festival of Kindness.
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Volunteer of the Year:
Diane Mayes – for her longstanding commitment to volunteering.
The judges said: ‘Since April 2003 Diane has been the most conscientious and supportive of volunteers, who has continued to give her time to Norfolk and Waveney Mind even when her health has got in the way. Having only one month off for radiotherapy during her battle with breast cancer, Diane continued to volunteer throughout six months of chemotherapy, seeing her work for us as her way of getting better. She has also stuck with us throughout all the many changes we have seen in the organisation. Diane is one of the most quietly optimistic people you could wish to meet – she has amazing strength of character and is completely self-giving.’
Also nominated: Emma Harvey, for her and her daughter Shannon’s outstanding dedication and commitment at fundraising events; and Liz Dormer-Ainge, for her generous care for older people.
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Corporate Partner of the Year:
Aquaterra Energy – for their outstanding support in the fight against poor mental health within Norfolk and Waveney.
The judges said: ‘The Great Yarmouth-based offshore energy company has given incredibly generous sponsorship of numerous events throughout the year, ensuring their success in providing vital fundraising and awareness for the work we do. Aquaterra Energy’s staff have engaged with Norfolk and Waveney Mind at these events and we look forward to working together to build a real force in the fight against poor mental health in our local communities.’
Also nominated were: Norfolk Bluebell Wood, for allowing us to use their setting for our events; Sponge, for donating outstanding quantities of delicious cakes; and Fosters Solicitors, for their commitment to volunteering and working closely with us.
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All nominees were invited to attend the ceremony, which formed part of Norfolk and Waveney Mind’s AGM held at The Space in Roundtree Way, Norwich, and the winners received glass trophies.
If you would like to help ensure no one in our region faces poor mental health alone, please get in touch. To help with fundraising, email fundraising@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk, and to find out more about volunteering, email volunteering@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk. For telephone enquiries on either subject, call 0300 330 5488.
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