The nominations for 2021 have 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 (2020 — 2021).
Prizes for award winners
The winner of each award category will receive $1000 and an engraved award plaquette.
How to nominate
For full category descriptions, requirements and links to nominate, please see below.
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.
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
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 LGBTIQA+ people.
