Meet our 2023 Janey Antoniou Award winners
24/11/2023
On Thursday 23 November, Rethink Mental Illness announced our 2023 award winners at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) 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: Danny Bowman
Danny’s campaigning started in 2013 months after his recovery from body dysmorphic disorder. He recognised the need to speak out about the disorder and the unique experiences of men with body image issues. The campaign he started subsequently went viral in 2014, reaching audiences around the world. Since then, he’s continued his campaigning through producing research for think-tanks, working with MPs to improve policy, speaking at conferences, regularly appearing in the media and even starting a PhD on the topic.
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“I am absolutely honoured and delighted to receive the Janey Antoniou Award from Rethink Mental Illness. To receive an award in memory of such an incredible person is overwhelming for me and very much appreciated. I had no idea I'd been nominated, so to actually win was a complete shock for me. I campaign on the issue because I feel deeply about improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. To be recognised for this work is amazing.”
- Danny Bowman - Danny Bowman
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Janey Antoniou Award finalist: Sophia Badhan
Sophia is passionate about making sure young people receive the support they need for their mental health as early as possible. This led Sophia to design and deliver workshops for pupils in her school to promote positive mental health. As part of her campaigning, she’s also a member of Think4Brum’s youth board, which helps shape Birmingham’s youth mental health service.
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“I'm so honoured to have even been considered for this award, let alone be a runner-up! Being associated with Janey's name means the absolute world to me. Thank you so, so much.”
- Sophia Badhan - Sophia Badhan
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Janey Antoniou Award finalist: Tanya Marwaha
Tanya founded a local youth mental health charity which offers resources for schools, parents and young people struggling with their mental health. Since then, the charity has grown to support hundreds of people not just in the UK, but internationally. Alongside this work, Tanya campaigns to raise awareness of suicide as part of the organising committee of Baton of Hope UK.
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“As a young person, the lack of mental health education has heavily impacted my experiences, which is why I believe so strongly in educating and empowering young people to care for their mental wellbeing. I am so grateful to be winning this runner-up award and to Rethink Mental Illness, and am excited for what 2024 will bring for my campaigning journey.”
- Tanya Marwaha - Tanya Marwaha