Prestigious awards recognise positive mental health in and through work
Twelve individuals, teams and organisations have won prestigious mental wellbeing awards.
Following on from World Mental Health Day (10 October) and ahead of Men’s Health Awareness Month (November) and National Stress Awareness Day (5 November), nine organisations and three individuals received awards for their commitment and hard work in establishing and maintaining a positive approach to mental health in their own workplaces and across their sectors.
The awards, organised by mental health charity Mates in Mind, celebrate excellence and provide examples of impactful practices that other organisations can employ to create positive mental health in and through work.
Overview of winners and highly commended (please see the notes at the end for descriptions of the awards):
Wiles Award Winner: Steve Walsh, Mace Dragados Joint Venture:
“Steve is a Mental Health First Aider and delivers our Start the Conversation training on the project. When I was walking around the office a few weeks ago, I noticed on an old ‘Men’s Health Week’ Poster he typed his personal phone number on the poster with the words, “not just this week, any week,” which really highlights the care and attention he gives to colleagues. Steve, himself, is very open about his struggles and has shared his story with our entire workforce at one of our monthly butty briefings. He talked about being over-weight, not having any motivation, the benefits of exercise and the need to seek out professional help, as well as reiterating the fact that he is always available to talk to others. This was met with huge applause from the Euston team, and I could see people close to tears in the audience.
More recently, another colleague has openly expressed that he had suicidal thoughts. Steve has personally engaged with him to help him navigate through his struggles and seek professional help. Approximately 3 months later, this colleague is still with us, and I put that largely down to the support he’s had from Steve.
My favourite initiative from Steve Walsh, is the simplest. Every Friday Steve wears a crazy shirt. I asked him why he does this. He said, “it gets people talking.” Fantastic. He’s more than happy to humiliate himself to encourage and promote wellbeing in others.” Paul Breslin, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Mace Dragados Joint Venture who nominated Steve for the award.
Supply Chain Winner: Seddon Construction Ltd
“We’re proud to be recognised for putting mental health front and centre in construction. For us this recognition is a reminder that change is possible. By putting mental health first, we’re helping to build not just projects, but a stronger, healthier future for everyone in construction.” Nicola Hodkinson, Owner/Director, Seddon Construction Ltd
Change Agents Winner: Murphy Group
“We are thrilled to be finalists in this year’s awards. As a business, the efforts that our workforce have put in over the past three+ years to really drive the mental health and wellbeing education forwards has been wonderful to see. As a training team we have been requested to sites for Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Intervention courses, and the engagement of all who participate makes it really enjoyable and worthwhile. It makes Murphy a business to really be proud to work for.” Fiona Clarke, Wellbeing Lead, Murphy Group
Funds Raised Winners:
• The B1M:
“We’re delighted to receive this award for all the hard work we’ve put into promoting mental health in construction, and the funds we’re proud to have raised for Mates in Mind through our Get Construction Talking initiative with Procore.
"For us to have been recognised in this way is incredibly rewarding, and it was great to be able to celebrate with so many inspiring people. Congratulations to all the other winners too.” Adam Savage, Senior Content Producer.
• Civils & Lintels:
“This is a fantastic recognition for the entire C & L team and their collective efforts to support Mates i+n Mind as our charity partner, a relationship which we hope continues to grow from strength to strength as we look to work with the charity to promote and lead on the development of positive mental health in and through work.” Allan Wright, Managing Director.
• Dornan Group:
“We’re proud to be shortlisted for the Mates in Mind Impact Awards — recognising seven years of raising mental health awareness at Dornan and supporting the vital work of Mates in Mind.” Magdalena Widawska, Head of Wellbeing
“Congratulations to the organisations and individuals who were recognised during our eighth Impact Awards ceremony, and for the exceptional work they are doing to build positive mental health in and through work. Our heartfelt thanks go to all our Supporters and award entrants for their commitment to making work good for workers’ mental health. It is through working together, as a community, that we are able to build cultures of prevention, where all workers have the skills, knowledge, tools and confidence to spot the signs of mental ill-health, start conversations, signpost support and end the stigma, so that mental health becomes everyone’s responsibility and no one reaches crisis point.” Sam Downie, Managing Director, Mates in Mind
- ENDS -
Notes to Editor
The Mates in Mind 2025 Impact Awards are designed to give organisations the chance to:
- Be recognised for their work in transforming mental wellbeing.
- Raise awareness by starting the conversation and through this help to tackle the stigma and silence around mental ill-health.
- Educate other organisations about how to address mental ill-health, by showcasing the measures the organisations have taken and their impact within their workforce and the wider industry.
About Mates in Mind
Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity which enables organisations of any size, to proactively improve their workforce wellbeing. We do this by providing the skills, clarity and confidence to businesses on how to raise awareness, improve understanding, implement effective interventions and end the stigma of mental ill-health. As a result, we help organisations to build positive mental health in and through work.
www.matesinmind.org
Award Categories and Additional Quotes
The Wiles Award
The Wiles Award is presented by the Wiles family. It was established by Mates in Mind in memory of Chris Wiles, who worked in construction for 30 years. In 2019, he took his own life. This award recognises those who go above and beyond in their efforts to help others. It recognises their campaigning to save lives by raising awareness of mental health issues that can be caused by stress at work.
Impact through Collaboration
This award recognises individuals or organisations who have walked their own path, while choosing to stand alongside us on ours. Whether through shared campaigns, creative collaboration or simply championing our message within their own work, they have helped extend our reach and deepen our impact. This award celebrates those who bring their own purpose to the table and, in doing so, make our mission stronger - proving that meaningful change is always better when it is done together.
Impact through Leadership
This award recognises a leader - or leadership team - who are genuinely driving change. They do not just talk about mental health; they prioritise it in every decision they make. From strategy and structure to site and boardroom, they think about how their people are supported, now and in the long term. They invest in meaningful initiatives, listen to feedback, and champion mental health as a core business value -- not just a box to tick. This award celebrates those showing what true leadership in wellbeing looks like.
Impact through Supply Chain
This award recognises a Champion organisation that has used their position to uplift others - extending mental health support to smaller businesses across their supply chain. By sponsoring Lite versions of the Mates in Mind programme for organisations with fewer than 50 employees, they have ensured help gets to where it is needed most. This award celebrates a commitment to sustainable, sector-wide change - supporting not just their own people, but the wider network they work alongside every day.
Impact through Change Agents
This award recognises an organisation that is creating lasting culture change by empowering its people to lead the way. Whether through a network of Mental Health First Aiders, upskilled managers, wellbeing teams or engaged leaders, this business has made mental health everyone’s responsibility. By listening to what is really happening on the ground - and across their supply chain - they have built a culture where change is driven from within. This award celebrates organisations using a whole-team approach to embed mental health into the heart of how they work.
Impact through Innovation
This award recognises an organisation that has taken their engagement with Mates in Mind to the next level - working closely with their Support Manager, running impactful campaigns, and embedding mental health into their culture in fresh and creative ways. They understand that there is no finish line when it comes to wellbeing. Instead of stopping at the core programme, they have thought outside the box - continually finding new, meaningful ways to keep their people engaged. This award celebrates bold thinking, originality, and a deep commitment to creating lasting change.
Impact through Supporter Fundraising
This award is for someone who is all in. They have actively engaged with the Mates in Mind Supporter Programme - making real efforts to improve mental health in their organisation - and they have also raised vital funds to help us continue our mission. Whether through physical challenges, team fundraising, or creative campaigns, they have put their passion into action. This award recognises someone who supports and gives back - helping us make an even bigger impact together.
Impact through Reach
This award recognises the individual or organisation whose fundraising or awareness efforts have reached and inspired the most people. Whether through powerful storytelling, media coverage, social media engagement or large-scale events, they have taken the message far and wide. Their work has sparked conversations, challenged stigma, and encouraged thousands to think differently about mental health. This award celebrates impact at scale - and the ability to connect with people across industries, communities, and beyond.
Impact through Storytelling
This award recognises someone whose fundraising journey has gone far beyond the physical challenge - they have opened up, shared their story, and shown the raw, human side of mental health. Through honesty and emotion, they have helped others connect, reflect, and feel less alone. Their courage has not only raised funds but also raised awareness in a way that truly moves people. This award celebrates vulnerability as strength, and the power of sharing to create real, lasting impact.
Impact through Funds Raised
This award recognises the organisation or individual who has gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts for Mates in Mind. Whether through a single standout event or a series of creative challenges, they have shown incredible dedication to raising vital funds that fuel our work. But it is about more than just the total - it is about the energy, teamwork and passion behind it. This award celebrates those who have inspired others to get involved and made a lasting impact through their generosity and commitment.