A word from our MP Judges

“Judging the awards is inspiring as you get to see the amazing work that people do across communities. It is always difficult to shortlist ones as, in many ways, you would like all of the entries to win an award. This year I asked someone doing work experience with me from the Whizz-Kidz charity to help me and we both thought the quality of entries were extremely high.”

“I am very grateful to Tony and Angie and honoured to be given the opportunity to help judge the awards”. Philip Davies MP

“I was delighted to be involved in the judging process and to learn about the innovative Derek Twigg MPpractices that commissioners and practioners are putting in place to improve mental health provision in our communities. Its clear, that while there is still many improvements needed in provision and spreading good practice around the country, much good work is being undertaken in the field of community mental health.” Derek Twigg MP

“It was a real privilege to be asked to have a look at this years awards. Initially I found it too difficult to separate the truly outstanding, innovative and inspiring entries. Awards are a necessary mechanism, but the truth is that each of these entries is making a genuine and FullSizeRender-2touchable difference to some of the most vulnerable in society, and leaves people like me in awe of your work. I hope to meet as many of you as I can in due time.” Johnny Mercer MP

“It was an honour and a privilege to have been asked to help with this year’s judging process. Bearing in mind the quality of the contenders, making a decision was no mean feat. My ©calyx_Pictures_Buckland_5279warmest wishes and congratulations, not only to the winners but to everyone involved in the various projects who are helping to make a difference to the lives of people with mental health issues in our communities.” Robert Buckland MP

“It has been a pleasure to be a part of the National Positive Practice Awards and to judge the Innovation in Mental Health and Primary Care Award. I was so impressed by the standard of Labour MP Photocallthe submissions. All services were in their own way excellent, demonstrated innovative thinking and most importantly proved that they were making a positive difference to those who use them. My thanks to everyone at Breakthrough for all their hard work in making these awards happen, they are a great way to highlight some of the amazing work taking place in mental health services across the country.” Luciana Berger MP

“Enlightening and uplifting” Charles Walker MP Charles Walker MP

“I was delighted to be asked by Angie and Tony Russell to be part of the judging panel for the Positive Practise Awards which recognises the hard work done by a care team which has shown Jonathan Reynolds MPreal innovation in developing and delivering a service that helps people who have mental health problems or dementia. The standard of entries was incredibly high and it was heart-warming to see the effort people up and down the country put in, every day, to look after the welfare of others.” Jonathan Reynolds MP

“It’s a real honour to get to be part of these awards and meet inspiring people who do brilliant JohnWoodcock02work supporting people with mental health conditions.”John Woodcock MP

“Mental health is a huge issue and it still doesn’t get the attention or funding it deserves. Awards like these are a fantastic way of changing this and raising the profile of mental health. The extremely high calibre of all those on the shortlist made judging for these awards incrediblyMichael Dugher MP difficult. All those nominated demonstrated very clearly their dedication to improving mental health services and how their hard work really can make a difference”. Michael Dugher MP