Self-nominations for the sixth annual Mental Health Blog Awards have officially opened. Interested applicants have until Friday 23 June to submit their projects for a chance to be recognised with an Award.
The Mental Health Blog Awards celebrate the effort put into projects that seek to raise awareness and educate on matters of mental health. Launched by mental health blogger, podcaster and campaigner Mike Douglas in 2018, the Awards are a non-profit project organised by volunteers, with all funds raised invested back into the event.
Previously hosted as an in-person ceremony on the South Coast of England, the Mental Health Blog Awards moved online in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Award Ceremony has remained online since then due to the increased accessibility and attendance at the event, especially for those living further away, unable to travel, and for those affected by anxiety or stress of large in-person groups and events.
Mental Health Blog Awards 2023 categories include ‘Project of the Year’, which recognises online projects that share, support or signpost for the benefit of the online mental health community and the public. Other categories celebrate various forms of digital content and storytelling, such as ‘Podcaster of the Year’, ‘Vlogger of the Year’ and ‘Blogger of the Year’.
Interested applicants must nominate their work or project in their desired category by Friday 23 June. Online voting will then be open from Tuesday, 1 August to Friday, 8 September, with the final round of voting of finalists held during the Mental Health Blog Awards 2023 Ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday 21 October 2023.
Founder of the Mental Health Blog Awards, Mike Douglas, said “Myself and our Community Leaders are very excited for the 21st October and the Mental Health Blog Awards 2023; it will be our sixth year hosting the event. Each year there are new and returning nominees and it’s great to see the support for their blogs and the way they share their stories, journeys and knowledge, while also signposting to local and national support or services. It is a true honour to host this celebration and recognition of those efforts and these wonderful people.”
There are several ways to get involved and support the Mental Health Blog Awards, such as joining as a sponsor, guest speaker, or simply by getting a ticket for the event. More information about all opportunities and event tickets can be found on the Mental Health Blog Awards website, mhblogawards.com.
Photo provided by Mental Health Blog Awards.
Find mental health support
If you are experiencing a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, there’s lots of useful information and advice on mind.org.uk.
If you need to talk to someone about your problems, you may find an emotional support line helpful.
In the UK, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 – calls are free any time, from any phone. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org. Or you can text SHOUT to 85258.
If you live in the USA, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, and you can also contact the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).