Entries for Mind Media Awards 2013 now open

Entry to the Mind Media Awards 2013 opened yesterday, inviting journalists, broadcasters and production teams to submit published portrayals or reports of mental health problems from the past year.

The awards, now in their 20th year, recognise the media’s power to raise awareness of mental health problems and in turn challenge the stigma that is sadly still prevalent.

The ceremony, to be held at The BFI in November, brings together celebrities, esteemed industry professionals and people who have shared their personal experiences through the media, for a unique celebration of excellence across broadcast, print and digital media.

Stephen Fry, (pictured) host of the Mind Media Awards 2012, says, “In our world the media have such immeasurable power to persuade and mould public opinion. It is vital that those within the industry recognise this and, therein, the role they can play in confronting the stigma that surrounds mental health problems.

“The Mind Media Awards dares actors, writers, programme makers, journalists and bloggers to do just this. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the pioneers who challenge audiences to think differently about mental health.”

The awards recognise those who’ve abandoned stereotypes, in favour of accurate portrayals, and most importantly produced work that includes the voices of people who have experienced mental health problems. Last year’s winners included Channel Four’s Homeland for the portrayal of a CIA officer who has bipolar disorder, The Sunday Express’ long-running campaign ‘Crusade for Better Mental Health’ and Emmerdale for character Zach Dingle’s battle with depression.

Programme makers, journalists and producers of digital media are now invited to submit entries in any of the following categories:

Documentary: Factual TV or online programme of at least 15 minutes duration.

Radio Factual, drama or docu-drama radio programme of at least 15 minutes.

News and current affairs: A news item, or current affairs feature, from a bulletin or magazine style current affairs programme on TV, radio or online.

TV Entertainment: Awarded to a single item or a compilation from a TV programme, series or strand with multiple inserts or interviews.

Drama: A single drama or drama series transmitted on TV

Soaps or continual series: A TV or radio ‘soap’ transmitted at least twice a week OR a continual drama series where stand-alone storylines conclude within each episode but the main characters and their storylines continue.

Digital media: Awarded to an individual or organization, originating in the UK, that has embraced new media to raise awareness about mental health issues OR support the mental health community.

Journalist of the Year: Awarded to an individual journalist who has made an outstanding contribution to the understanding of mental health issues.

Student Journalist of the Year: Awarded to an individual journalist for a contribution to a student publication OR for a piece of journalism completed as part of a university course which shows an understanding of mental health issues.

Print Campaigns or one off features: Awarded to a magazine or newspaper for a campaign or one off feature that raises awareness of mental health issues.

To be eligible for the Mind Media Awards, programmes or articles must have been transmitted or published in the UK, or have been available online between 8th of June 2012 and the 8th June 2013 inclusive.

Previous winners include BBC One soap EastEnders and ITV’s Emmerdale.

For more information about the categories, criteria and how to enter please visit www.mind.org.uk/media_awards