Nominations

The nominations for 2020 are now closed

The Mental Health Matters Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals, groups and organisations that have worked to improve understanding, awareness, service provision and the general mental health of communities in NSW over the past year (2019 — 2020).

Prizes for award winners

The winner of each award category will receive $1000 and an engraved award plaquette.

New awards in 2020

The Media Award had been expanded to include the Arts industry more broadly. The new Mental Health Matters Media and the Arts Award recognises individuals or organisations who have created thoughtful, informative and responsibly reported media and/or artistic projects relating to mental health illness. This may include such things as journalism, visual art projects, theatrical projects, or musical projects. 

Each year, the Mental Health Matters Awards ceremony celebrates outstanding achievements in mental health. The winners are usually feted at an award luncheon at the Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney but in 2020, we will be doing something different to celebrate the work of individuals, groups and organisations that make a difference. Stay tuned for more details.

For full category descriptions and nomination requirements, please see below.

How to nominate

Know someone doing excellent work in mental health? You can nominate yourself, a program you work for/with, or a program or person you know.

Nominations close on the 10th July.

Nomination Criteria

Please read the following information before submitting a nomination

• Projects, programs or initiatives nominated must be accessible to, and have relevance for, the people of NSW.
• We do not accept nominations for a service in multiple categories.
• Only one nomination for an organisation or individual will be accepted; nomination submissions will be judged on quality of nomination not quantity.
• Staff and volunteers of WayAhead, and/or any of the sponsors of the Awards (including, but not limited to, ACON) are not eligible for nomination. 
• Previous award winners are not eligible for self-nomination for three years following the receipt of their award.

We are here to help and answer any questions you may have about the Awards or the nomination process, including support to complete your nomination. Contact us on (02) 9339 6004 or email promo.admin@wayahead.org.au

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Award Categories

Mental Health Matters Youth Award	Recognising excellence and/or innovation in programs, projects or initiatives that have focused their efforts on prevention and early intervention with young people.
Mental Health Matters Community Initiative Award	Recognising small, grass-roots, community-run groups, projects or events whose key aims are to improve the mental health and wellbeing of marginalised communities, particularly Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, and facilitate access to culturally appropriate information and services. This may also include ongoing groups focused on mental health or awareness raising events that have impacted the local community.
Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award	Recognising programs, projects, people or initiatives that enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.
Outstanding Achievement in Mental Health Promotion Award	Recognising excellence and/or innovation in mental health promotion activities  programs or initiatives that contribute to increased awareness, reduced stigma, and enhanced wellbeing related to mental health and/or mental ill-health.
Leadership through Lived Experience Award	Recognising an individual with lived experience of mental ill-health, mental illness, or a carer of someone with lived experience, who has made outstanding contributions to advocacy and social change benefitting people with lived experiences. This can relate to a specific program the person has initiated/coordinated, or a dedication to lifelong work in this area.
WayAhead Workplaces Wellbeing Award	Recognising organisations who have actively created a positive work environment for all employees and support employees in their mental health & wellbeing in the workplace. The prize for this award includes special access to some features of the WayAhead Workplaces program.
Mental Health Matters Media and the Arts Award	Recognising individuals or organisations who have created thoughtful, informative and responsibly reported media and/or artistic projects relating to mental health illness. This may include such things as journalism, visual art projects, theatrical projects, or musical projects.
Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award Sponsored by ACON	Recognising mental health related programs, projects or initiatives that demonstrate commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of sex, sexuality, and/or gender diverse (LGBTIQA+) people.