A Wrexham-based charity and an esteemed individual have garnered prestigious honors at an award ceremony celebrating the finest mental health services in Wales.
Advance Brighter Futures, situated on Belmont Road in the city center, clinched the title of ‘Best Mental Health Support Service,’ while Keir Harding emerged victorious in the ‘Inspirational Leader’ category.
These accolades were bestowed as part of the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards, an event dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations across Wales in the field of mental health.
Established in 1992, Advance Brighter Futures (ABF) is a mental health charity committed to empowering individuals to lead happier and more fulfilling lives by enhancing their mental wellbeing. Operating in partnership with those experiencing mental distress, ABF endeavors to promote health, wellbeing, and recovery within Wrexham and its surrounding communities.
Keir Harding, Wrexham’s other notable winner at the prestigious ceremony, boasts over two decades of experience as a mental health professional. As the founder of Beam Consultancy, Keir is deeply passionate about enhancing services for individuals grappling with severe and complex mental health issues.
Keir’s efforts are particularly focused on ensuring survivors of abuse remain integrated within their communities rather than being confined to specialist private hospitals. By keeping individuals within their familiar environments, Keir’s initiatives not only enhance their wellbeing but also alleviate the burden on the NHS, resulting in significant cost savings.
The Mental Health & Wellbeing Wales Awards ceremony, held in Cardiff towards the end of last year, provided a platform to honor the outstanding contributions of individuals like Keir and organizations like Advance Brighter Futures. Lesley Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, recently extended her heartfelt congratulations to the local winners.
Griffiths commended the remarkable achievements of ABF and Keir, emphasizing their invaluable contributions to the local community and beyond. She highlighted ABF’s pivotal role in supporting countless individuals over the years and acknowledged Keir’s unwavering dedication to improving mental health services in Wales.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Awards, organized by The Ajuda Foundation, a community interest company promoting positive mental health across Wales, serve as a testament to the remarkable efforts of individuals and organizations committed to fostering mental wellbeing in society.