Kentish Express Ashford & District
Awards for the lockdown projects which saved lives
Mental health in the spotlight at ceremony
Projects that helped the public cope with life over lockdown have been celebrated at the Kent Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards.
Thirty-three people, organisations and initiatives were recognised at the annual event, which was staged at the Ashford International Hotel earlier this month.
Ten nominees were named as county champions on the night and received a limited-edition trophy designed by 12-year-old Faith Tuohy from Homewood School.
In the Ashford area, the Mental Health User Voice Network was named as the town’s peer-mentoring initiative of the year.
Comprising a network of highly committed individuals from across Kent and Medway, the network has gone from strength to strength over the past year, ensuring its client base is heard by the right people in the right way.
The network provides an advocacy and activist role for mental health service users, helping resolve individual needs and
problems, and successfully lobbying for service changes.
It successfully adapted to a 300% surge in demand during lockdown, extending support to every single one of the people who approached it for help.
Meanwhile, Kevin Finch was named Ashford’s community ambassador of the year.
He has grappled with mental health issues and drug problems for many years but saw the pandemic as an opportunity to change his life for the better.
Mr Finch took up open-sea angling and quickly realised how much it helped his mental health and enabled him to focus.
Now he shares the transformative experience of his new hobby by reaching out to other people affected by mental health issues through his popular and inspirational Angling & Anxiety YouTube channel.
Mr Finch said: “I just try to inject a little bit of positivity into the world by showing that no matter what’s in front of you it can be defeated. This has helped so many people and has changed my life for the better.
“I still suffer massively from social anxiety but it’s so much better since becoming drug free.”
Simon Dolby, co-host for the night, said: “Mental health has been the Cinderella of the health service for too long and its champions deserve to be in the spotlight.
“These awards illustrate the dedication and passion so many charities, volunteers and professionals deliver for the sector – and I am proud to have played a part in celebrating their hard work and commitment.”