2022 WA Mental Health Awards winners announced

On Friday 25 November, 9 individuals, schools and organisations were recognised at the 2022 WA Mental Health Awards ceremony.

Hosted annually by the Western Australian Association for Mental Health with support from the Mental Health Commission, the Awards recognise and reward the achievements of those who demonstrate excellence, innovation and initiative in supporting consumers of mental health services, their families and carers.

Acting Mental Health Commissioner Lindsay Hale said this year, 168 nominations were received across 9 award categories, with 35 individuals, schools, employers and community groups named as finalists.

The awards were judged by a panel of mental health sector members, including individuals with lived experience.

“To all 168 high calibre award nominees, 35 finalists and 9 winners - thank you for what you have done, and continue to do, to improve the lives of people in our state,” Mr Hale said.

"These Awards recognise and showcase the tireless dedication and contribution of individuals and teams in the mental health sector, schools, workplaces and the community to keep people mentally healthy.

"The Mental Health Commission is proud to once again support the WA Mental Health Awards and to have presented the Lived Experience Impact and Inspiration Award to the very deserving Anna Richards.

“We remain dedicated to partnering with the 2022 winners and those in the mental health sector to realise our vision of Western Australians experiencing optimal mental health.”

The 2022 WA Mental Health Award winners are:

Lived Experience Impact and Inspiration Award: Anna Richards, Consumers of Mental Health WA

For her work as a mental health advocate, educating health professionals, students, carers, consumers and the community on the recovery paradigm and lived experience perspectives. 

Diversity Award: HelpingMinds’ Strong and Resilient Program

For delivering a program in the Kimberley to build strong, cohesive and harmonious communities and establishing collaborative community service provider meetings which led to increased service accessibility and referrals.

Minister’s Award: Lorraine Powell, Lived Experience Australia

For inclusive, knowledgeable and respectful leadership as a lived experience consultant, representative and advocate.

Mental Health Employee or Volunteer Excellence Award: Ann McGuire, Mental Health Matters 2

For dedicated voluntary service to several mental health and lived experience charities, facilitating a wellbeing and education group for family and significant others and representing lived experience perspectives at sector forums, consultations and committees.

Innovation for Change Award: Ruah Legal Services’ Care and Protection Service

For their successful Care and Protection Service which provides wrap-around legal and non-legal support and advocacy to vulnerable families facing child protection proceedings.  

Mentally Healthy Education Award: Westfield Park Primary School

For carefully developing trauma-informed practices that demonstrate high levels of care from all staff and support teams including equipping school staff in understanding how children’s mental health and wellbeing can be supported in their classrooms.  

Mentally Healthy Workplace Award: Roy Hill

For making extensive support options available to employees who may experience mental health challenges or emotional distress, which fall within three categories: initial support, specialised support and return to work; with various health and wellbeing professionals, services and programs.

Mental Health News Media Award: Joined Up Films, SBS

For their 57-minute documentary ‘The Truth About Anxiety With Celia Pacquola’ which followed comedian Celia Pacquola , who lives with anxiety and depression, around the country to meet with a diverse range of people, including AFL footballers, high school students, medical experts and celebrities who open up to her about their experiences with this sometimes crippling disorder.

Promotion or Prevention Award: The Living Room, Student Life, The University of Western Australia

For creating the Living Room, an inclusive and student-focused space that promotes wellbeing through early intervention, peer support and low barrier access to the University of Western Australia health services to encourage connection and belonging at the university.