First Minister Carwyn Jones
A teenager who has used her own experiences of poor mental health to help others has been honoured with an award.
Savannah Lloyd, 19, from Trinant, near Crumlin, was nominated in the young person category of the St David Awards, which is organised by the Welsh Government.
Savannah, who has been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, volunteers with Fixers – a campaign set up to help people understand mental health issues.
With Fixers, Savannah, who is studying at Oxford University, has helped create a film to offer insight into life with a mental health condition.
Combining live action and animation, it highlights the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and lets others with the illness know they are not alone.
She also runs an online blog called Saving Savannah, with over 1,000 followers on Facebook.
Savannah was presented with her award at the fourth St David Awards on Thursday March 23, and spoke of her disbelief.
She said: “I was so shocked when they called my name for the award. I thought I was hearing things.
“I am so incredibly grateful and humbled over receiving this award and can’t wait to continue making a difference to people’s lives.
“This award has already given me so many opportunities to reach out to others and raise awareness of mental health.
“It was a wonderful evening and I am so proud of all the finalists.”
The national awards celebrate the great deeds and extraordinary achievements of Welsh people from all walks of life – from saving lives to inspiring a nation.
First Minister Carwyn Jones added: “What a truly inspirational group of winners – I feel incredibly proud that we in Wales can call such an exceptional group of people our own. You make Wales what it is.
“Congratulations to everyone who has won an award and to all the finalists who made the award’s shortlist.
“You are a credit to your families, friends and the nation. I hope you are rightly proud of your achievements.”