Double win for North Kirklees in national awards
Two services for people with mental health problems in North Kirklees, run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust were celebrating their success this week after winning prestigious national awards.
The awards organised by NIMHE (national institute for mental health in England) recognise and reward those who are doing their best to provide first class care for people with mental health problems. The awards ceremony was held at Chelsea football club, London.
The Mirfield Day centre took home the art and mental health award for their ‘garage project’. The project is designed to help younger people with mental health problems develop skills and confidence through creative activities such as DJing and digital photography.
Matt Ellis who works at the Garage said, "We were delighted that we won this award, which recognises the dedication and vision of the many people who have been involved in the project’s history. Many of these people are the unsung heroes of an innovative and creative project that understands that every one of us has many talents and strengths that are often hidden and neglected from view. We do not work with people who have mental health problems but people who are talented creative, unique and special."
Richard Rugg who goes to the Garage Project also attended the award ceremony. "The garage project has twice helped me to recover from difficult episodes. I’m grateful for all the help and support the Garage project has given me – they really deserve this award."
Mike Lee was highly commended in the ‘Making a difference award’ for dedicating the last seven years to improving the lives of elderly people from ethnic minority communities in North Kirklees.
Mike set up the elderly transcultural team at the Priestley Unit which provides interpreting and support services for service users and carers. He has also traveled to China and Malaysia (trips he has funded himself) to understand the mental health needs of South East Asian communities in this country.
Mike said, "I’m very honoured to receive this award, my team and I are very pleased – it’s nice to feel valued. We hope to continue to provide specialist care for older people with mental health problems from ethnic minority communities in the area."
Steven Michael deputy chief executive of the South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust, who was at the awards ceremony said, "It’s fantastic mental health services in North Kirklees have been recognised in this way. I’m proud of all these staff whose hard work and dedication ensures that people with mental health problems receive such high quality care."