Meet our 2024 Janey Antoniou Award winners
19/11/2024
On Saturday 16 November, Rethink Mental Illness announced our 2024 award winners at our Members' Day in London. Our annual awards recognise people and groups who have made a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness during the previous year.
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Janey Antoniou Award winner: Steve Whittle
Steve is a mental health campaigner who, through his own lived experience, has a unique perspective on the challenges that men face with their mental health, and has used this to found his charity ‘Tough to Talk’ which aims to reduce male suicide. Steve has campaigned to reduce male suicide in a multitude of ways. From hosting hard hitting talks, producing powerful resources such as the #MANUP book to facilitating suicide first aid courses which are specifically designed for environments where men are the primary demographic. Steve has demonstrated his commitment to providing support to men that is tailored and breaks down the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. The judges were astounded by the breadth and reach of Steve’s work, particularly given his campaigning focuses on an issue that isn’t often spoken about openly and desperately needs more attention. They felt his tireless dedication to campaigning specifically in male-centric environments like construction and sport has no doubt had a massive impact on the lives of men struggling with their mental health.
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When I reflect on my journey and my work to support men, I sometimes see myself as an imposter with lived experience and a big mouth, speaking out on the big issues affecting many men who suffer in silence. Being recognised as a campaigner in this space is truly mind-blowing. I'm incredibly grateful for the work Rethink does and their recognition fuels my passion and eases my imposter syndrome. I'm fortunate to have inspired many remarkable individuals to join forces and create Tough To Talk, shaping our mission to reduce male suicide.
- Steve Whittle - Steve Whittle
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Janey Antoniou Award finalist: Katja Pavlovna
Following her own experiences of struggling to access mental health care, Katja co-founded the project ‘Sorry my mental illness isn’t sexy enough for you’ – a website that raises awareness of mental health, particularly those that are the most stigmatized. Since then, Katja has grown the website to support people beyond the UK by using her multi-lingual skills to translate stories of lived experience on the website, which has allowed the friends and family of people affected by mental illness to better support their loved ones. Alongside this, Katja has spoken at several conferences and is currently publishing the project’s first book. The judges were struck by Katja’s drive to raise awareness of mental illnesses that are less talked about in every day conversations surrounding mental health. They were particularly impressed that Katja makes it a priority to consult people from communities who often do not get to spotlight their stories and experiences.
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Finding out I was runner-up for the Janey Antoniou Award was a complete surprise- not only because I never considered that I might get this far, but also because the work I do around mental illness never feels like it's 'work' at all. It's just something I do to try and make things a bit easier for those who live with mental illness and personality disorder. I'm so grateful for this award.
- Katja Pavlovna - Katja Pavlovna
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Janey Antoniou Award finalist: Alex Richardson
Alex is passionate about teaching and supporting anyone that asks for it and is working to teach the next generation how to support people better. This led Alex to set up ‘Keep Talking Services’ during the first COVID-19 lockdown and his second year of university. The service offers weekly phone calls to those suffering from poor mental health, loneliness and social isolation. It also uses student volunteers studying a health and social care course, which aids in their professional development. The judges were extremely impressed by the difference that Alex has made in his community, with the charity supporting over 250 people in Kent and Medway and training over 100 student volunteers. It was clear to the panel that the provision of a weekly phone call to people in need of support has made a huge difference for everyone involved in the organisation.
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To be a runner-up to an award named after someone like Janey is an incredibly emotional time for me. To be working within the realms of mental health and to have my name associated with such an inspirational person is a true achievement and a real highlight in my career. I do what I do to try to make an impact and I am trying to create change in our society. Just like Janey. To be honoured for this with her name is beautiful and I can not express how happy this makes me feel.
- Alex Richardson - Alex Richardson