A teenager who has used her own experience of poor mental health to help others has been shortlisted for an award.
Savannah Lloyd, 19, from Trinant, near Crumlin, has been nominated in the young person category of the St David Awards, 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.
Speaking of her nomination, Savannah said: “I feel so incredibly blessed and feel so motivated to continue reaching out to others in similar situations to my own. For two years, I’ve exposed my inner and most darkest secrets, all my thoughts, and all my struggles in the hope that it can help others in the same situation get the help they need.
“Mental health problems are such a taboo subject and people struggling are more often than not stigmatised. Every single day I will fight to change this view.
“Being a finalist has given me the chance to reach even more people and share my story, which I hope in the long run will improve the lives of those with mental health difficulties.”
Now in their fourth year, the St David’s Awards recognises exceptional Welsh people. This year’s awards ceremony takes place on March 23.
Congratulations on your award. More money needs to be put into mental health in the NHS. This should be a priority for the government in the nhs