Mental health is the forefront of these awards.
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health are seeking nominations for the annual Champions of Mental Health Awards.
They’re aimed at highlighting and celebrating the contributions of people who are champions in their community for valuing and caring for mental well-being.
Fred Phelps, Chair for the Alliance says it’s a time to celebrate mental health.
“Celebrate how far it’s come from being stigmatized to where we are going,” he says.
“To where people are proud to say they have a mental health issue and are ready to take it on and be a champion in their community.”
Phelps says it’s key to celebrate people demonstrating leadership and promoting mental health in the community.
He says it opens a door for others who may not be ready to come public with their mental health issues.
“Those champions are still needed to destigmatize mental health and make it really accessible for people to say, ‘you know what, I have a mental health issue just as I have a physical health issue, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s time to come forward, it’s time to get treatment and get on the road to recovery.’”
Categories range from workplace or youth to community and individual awards.
Winners will attend a Champions of Mental Health gala in Ottawa in May.
Deadline for nominations is Thursday, Feb. 23 at 11 a.m.
Click here to nominate someone in the community.
