Meet our 2021 award winners
On Saturday 13 November, as part of our National Members' Day celebration, we presented this year's Janey Antoniou Award and our John Pringle awards. These awards recognise members, groups, services and campaigners who have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness.
The Bill Pringle award winners
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Group of the Year
The group of the year is Bristol Siblings. The group is open to everyone who has a sibling who lives with mental illness. The group meet in the evenings to facilitate people who have work and busy lives and cannot access services during the day. The group provides a safe, confidential space to share their stories. They meet by Zoom, once a month and facilitates a WhatsApp group. Well done to Bristol Siblings for ensuring that people can stay connected during difficult times.
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Service of the Year
The winner of the 2021 service of the year is Devon Supported Living and Devon Outreach. The service provides accommodation and support to clients living with severe mental illness, as well as continued outreach support when clients move on to their own independent accommodation. The service works to support people in managing their mental health and other complex issues such as drug and alcohol abuse.
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Member of the Year
The member of the year for 2021 is Patricia Gates. Patricia has worked very hard over the last year to keep members connected through her music groups in Harrow. She also runs a social group at the local pub. Patricia has gone above and beyond to ensure that members stayed connected over Zoom during difficult times.
The Janey Antoniou Awards 2021
Each year we present the Janey Antoniou Award in recognition of an individual with lived experience of mental illness who has campaigned tirelessly and made a significant difference to the lives of people affected by mental illness and continue the legacy of Janey's work.
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Winner: Nkasi Stoll
Nkasi uses her own experiences of mental illness and racism to influence higher educational systems for the better. She is the Director of the ‘Black Students Talk’ programme, a peer wellbeing support programme for Black university students. The programme is far reaching and provides tools for students to advocate for theirs and others mental health and wellbeing.
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Finalist: Rachael Boyce
Rachael has lived experience of postpartum psychosis, severe anxiety and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Rachael is an advocate and ambassador for new mothers affected by mental illnesses, and has provided phone support for 12 mothers since 2010.
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Finalist: Louisa Magnussen
Louisa has lived experience of depression, psychosis and a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. It was worry about disclosure and the support she would need at work that prompted her to set up Minds Anonymous to end stigma and give advice for others in a similar situation. Minds Anonymous allows those living with mental illness to anonymously share their stories and offer support to others.
