Leading mental health writer and campaigner honoured with Special Award
One of the UK’s best-known journalists has been given a special award for her campaigning on mental health issues.
Bryony Gordon, of the Daily Telegraph, has been honoured with the Journalists’ Charity Special award at the National Press Awards which were announced today by the Society of Editors.
Over the last decade, Bryony has worked tirelessly to champion a new culture of openness after revealing her own personal journey with depression and addiction. Through her columns, podcasts, books and voluntary work, Bryony has helped to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and show that mental illness knows no boundaries.
Following a particularly difficult period in 2016, Bryony founded the support group ‘Mental Health Mates,’ which invites individuals to meet-up and share walks and exercise without the need for any formal diagnosis. It’s since expanded to become a global network and includes a range of partners in business and the media. In 2018, Bryony completed the London Marathon in her underwear to raise funds for ‘Heads Together,’ the mental health charity formed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
On receiving the honour Bryony said: “Wow! I am completely honoured to receive this award, especially as I sit in my bedroom trying to put together a new mental health podcast to try and help people during this uncertain time. Thank you so much – I am, for once, almost completely speechless.”
James Brindle, CEO of the Journalists’ Charity, explained why Bryony is so deserving of the special honour: “Throughout our history the charity has helped journalists facing hardship and a wide range of personal difficulties. We now support more individuals than ever who are really struggling with their mental health which we know does not discriminate, whatever your age or background. Bryony is a tireless campaigner in this area and we are delighted to recognise her outstanding efforts.”
Cheryl Douglas, Global Director of Media Research at Cision, said: “As sponsor of the Journalists’ Charity award, I am delighted to congratulate Bryony Gordon on this year’s award. As someone who has suffered from depression but also lost close friends to this illness, this resonates personally.
“Cision deeply admires Bryony’s journey, her contribution to the journalist community but also mental health awareness.”
