21 May 2020 | 1 minute read

AWE scientist given Wellbeing Champion Award by MIND

During Mental Health Awareness Week, AWE is pleased to congratulate materials scientist, Paul Ryan who has won the Wellbeing Champion award at the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index Employee Awards.

MIND’s annual employee recognition awards acknowledge outstanding individuals who play a key role in promoting positive mental health within their workplace. The Wellbeing Champion award is in recognition that an employee continues to go above and beyond to tackle stigma in their workplace.

Paul has been recognised for talking openly about his own experiences with OCD to audiences at all levels within the organisation. He has made a positive impact by hosting group sessions and workshops on mental health, with his honesty inspiring many people to open up about their own experiences. By setting up various initiatives and sharing his experience, Paul has pushed the mental health agenda in helping dispel the stereotypes around OCD.

Once AWE had signed the Time to Change pledge, Paul was one of the first Champions to be trained and is considered the ‘go to’ contact within his group and organiser of various initiatives to improve people’s wellbeing and promote mental health awareness.

In response to receiving his award Paul said: “I was surprised and incredibly happy to receive this award. I feel really passionate about reducing stigma and shame around mental health and will continue to talk honestly and openly about my own experiences. Receiving such an unexpected award for doing something I care deeply about is fantastic and I hope it will allow me to bring this message to even more people.”

Cleo Howie, Wellbeing Manager at AWE, congratulated Paul: “It’s great to see Paul recognised for his determination in pushing the mental health agenda. He has worked tirelessly in promoting good mental health and has made a positive impact in terms of a greater understanding of OCD.”

Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all. The theme for 2020 is ‘kindness’.

Picture shows: Paul Ryan, recipient of Mind’s Wellbeing Champion Award

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