Judges.

The judging panel.

Richard Daniel Curtis.

CEO, Tick Accreditation & The Root Of It

Richard comes from a background in mental health nursing and teaching. He set up The Root Of It in 2013 to provide consultancy and training in the sector. The team run the Mental Health Awareness Programme, a suite of training programmes designed to ensure that staff in any organisation have access to mental health awareness.

The team also run The Mentoring School, delivering qualifications and courses for mentors in different sectors. Richard is chair of the National Special Educational Needs and Disability Awards. His specialist interest is in the development of social and emotional skills and the impact on mental health.

He is a single parent to two young children.

Alison Bennetts.

Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Psychology, University of Southampton

Dr Alison Bennetts is a qualified Clinical Psychologist employed in both academia and clinical practice. Working in healthcare settings for over 10 years, she has a specialist interest in transdiagnostic and holistic, mind-body approaches to mental health and wellbeing.

Zaid Al-Najjar

Zaid is a Medical Director of NHS Practitioner Health, one of the world’s largest publicly funded organisations which treats healthcare professionals with mental health and addiction disorders.

He has spent the majority of his career helping fellow healthcare professionals through distressing times and is also a GP in London. He produces a podcast aimed at the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Professionals called understanding and managing your emotions.

 

Emma Mills

Emma Mills is State-registered Art Psychotherapist, Supervisor and Teacher with extensive experience in child and adolescent mental health in the NHS, Women’s Aid (refuges and outreach centres), community projects, local authority teams, schools and as a private practitioner.

She lectures at Goldsmiths College on the Domestic Violence MA and currently runs a community mental health project for her local authority and the Arts Charity Metal.

 

"We all know how critical mental health is to everyday life, together let's make a healthier, happier nation."

Sir Ben Ainslie
Olympic sailor

"So many people suffer with mental health issues, these awards are a really good thing and congratulations to the winners."

Gary Lineker
Sports broadcaster & former footballer

"Mental health difficulties affect us all at some point, so it's wonderful to see awards that celebrate people who have an impact on people's well-being."

Stephen Fry
Actor, comedian and writer

"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."

Gabby Logan
Presenter and former international gymnast

"These awards help encourage people to ask for help and experience the beauty of recovery."

Gemma Gordon
Actress

"Mental health is something which affects so many of us, whether it is ourselves, a family member or a friend. Even though it affects so many, it is spoken about by so few, that is why I am supporting the awards."

Charlie Mills
Made in Chelsea