The founders of Mental Healthy are launching the UK’s first Mental Health Hero awards to recognise the unsung heroes of mental health. Mental Healthy have teamed up with SANE, The Centre for Mental Health and Emergence to launch the awards to give credit and recognition to those who have made a real contribution to mental health.

To read about the awards and how you can nominate your mental health hero continue reading.

There are four different award categories where you can nominate your mental health hero:

The Community Hero Award recognises individuals who do not make a living in mental health, but have contributed in some way, for example this could be a book, a website, a support group or an extraordinary carer. Individuals and/or organisations whose primary income is not in this field are eligible to apply.

The Professional Hero Award recognises the heroes that work in the field of mental health, this could be counselling, research, social care or teaching. If you are a professional in mental health you are eligible to apply.

The Business Hero Award looks at the achievements of employers. Employee mental health is slowly becoming a priority for many businesses as they recognise the importance of their employees’ mental wellbeing. This award recognises the achievements of businesses that look after the mental health of their staff. Businesses big and small are eligible to enter.

The Creative Hero Award recognises creative achievements of those in the field of mental health. For example this could be YouTube stars, artists, writers, poets, actors or musicians. The sub categories professional and amateur recognise creatives who have made a difference, raised awareness or helped others in a special way.

Winners will have their work nationally recognised, through an article published about them and their work will be shown on the Mental Healthy website. They will also receive a prize. The deadline for nominations is 10 December 2011.

Applications for the awards are open. Nominate your worthy winner now by clicking here.