Lived experience was centre stage at the 2024 Equally Well Forum where innovation and impact for improving the wellbeing of people living with mental illness have been celebrated in the 2024 Equally Well Achievement Awards.

Awards submissions were received from across the Equally Well network of 100 supporting organisations and beyond for the six awards. The awards recognise and bring attention to successful activities and actions/contributions that align with the goals and objectives of the Equally Well Consensus Statement in improving the physical health outcomes for people living with mental illness.

Award submissions were assessed on the criteria that support the collective mission;

• to increase engagement with our network of supporters

• to raise awareness of activities and achievements that are making a difference in closing the life expectancy gap for people living with mental illness

• to inspire and motivate others to continue this work

• to inspire and motivate ongoing support for Equally Well across key stakeholders and partners.

Congratulations to the 2024 winners; 

Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution
Fay Jackson
Fay Jackson was celebrated with this award in recognition of her work as a tireless and outspoken supporter for health equity and as a change-maker in advocating for better physical health outcomes for those living with mental health challenges. Her work has contributed to driving policy changes and improved service delivery for individuals with mental illness. Fay’s leadership and passion have had a profound impact on all who have met and worked with her in various roles. You can listen to more about Fay and her impact from her powerful presentations at the 2019 Equally Well Symposium.

Outstanding Team Effort
Alfred Mental and Addiction Health
This small team established the program-wide Physical Health Committee in 2018 in response to the call to action from the Equally Well movement and was inspired by the needs of their clients and families. Initiated and co-led by a group of passionate clinicians and an incredibly passionate lived experience carer, the group dedicate their time and energy to drive the implementation of the Equally Well Framework for the thousands of consumers seen by this mental health service.

Outstanding Co-design
Kathryn Thorburn
Kath was recognised for sharing knowledge and practice of co-design in mental health settings. Her PhD thesis involved developing and testing a Physical Health Conversation Guide (PHCG) co-designed by mental health consumers, families/carers/kin, primary care providers, and mental health support workers, to address barriers associated with consumers accessing primary care for physical health. 

Research Impact Award
Dr Caitlin Fehily
Dr Fehily is a post-doctoral researcher in School of Psychological Sciences at the University of Newcastle. Dr Fehily was recognised for her extensive research impact which focuses on the intersection of mental health and social determinants. This work includes 24 publications (13 as first author) and presenting her work at over 20 conferences, has had a substantial impact on mental health policy and practice in Australia and internationally.

Outstanding Partnership & Collaboration Award
Dr Tetyana Rocks and Dr Sam Manger
Dr Tetyana Rocks and Dr Sam Manger were recognised for creating the micro-certificate: “Lifestyle Medicine for Mental Health Services: Life and Mind” program. This work exemplifies a deep commitment to collaborative healthcare solutions. Dr Rocks, is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Senior Research Fellow, and Dr Manger, a general practitioner, have pioneered innovative models of integrated care, highlighting the transformative impact of teamwork in healthcare delivery.

Emerging Star Awards
Dr Kemi Wright
Dr Kemi Wright was recognised for her work championing exercise interventions in mental health through her academic, teaching, and charity work. Her commitment to engaging with community health providers have significantly improved mental and physical health outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness.