My Mind shortlisting experience

I love reading, watching dramas, listening to the radio and talking, so when the chance to be a Mind Media Awards shortlister came up I just had to apply.

I have lived with mental health problems since my teens and have been an informal carer for my Mum who has had anxiety for most of my life.

"I became a member so that I could support an organisation that gives people like me a voice."

Having read some amazing information from Mind a few years ago, I became a member so that I could support an organisation that gives people like me a voice.

I now have a physical disability following an accident which makes life doubly challenging, but with Mind there is always a way to get involved and feel like you are contributing.

"With Mind there is always a way to get involved."

I was so excited when the email came through to say I had been chosen to be a shortlister. I then waited with baited breath to see which category I would be given. Secretly I hoped for drama but when I was asked to shortlist for Journalist of the Year I was ready to give it my best shot.

"I was so excited when the email came through to say I had been chosen to be a shortlister."

I would be kidding if I said it was an easy task – it wasn’t. Right from opening up my account on the media website and seeing 46 entries I knew that I would have my work cut out. But wow, I was blown away by the amount of amazing work being done by journalists around the country to raise issues, challenge stigma and put mental health at the top of the news agenda.

"There was such a wide range of articles, ranging from radio shows aimed at young people, to powerful investigative journalism that brought to light failings within the system."

There was such a wide range of articles, ranging from radio shows aimed at young people, to powerful investigative journalism that brought to light failings within the system. Some of it did not make for easy reading/watching, but there were also stories of hope and change.

Due to personal problems I was unable to attend the shortlisting panel in person, but I attended by phone which was a new experience for me. I joined a group of people who all shared an interest in mental health and the media, and it was fascinating to be able to discuss our ideas openly.

"It was fascinating to be able to discuss our ideas openly."

We all agreed on how wonderful it was to see so many entries in this category and the quality of the work, and amazingly we all managed to agree on our shortlist. Now we wait for the judges to deliberate and then for the glitz and glamour of the award ceremony itself, where all these deserving winners will be celebrated along with all those who are making a real difference.

"It has been a real learning journey for me and one which I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to embark on."

It has been a real learning journey for me and one which I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to embark on. Thank you Mind.