The search is on for the region's mental health and well-being champions.

Residents are being asked to nominate individuals, organisations and initiatives that have made a difference to the lives of others.

Kent County Council (KCC) has joined the call for entries for the 2024 Kent Mental Well-being Awards which is staged in October by the Mind charity.

The awards have three main themes – mental health, well-being, kindness and compassion.

Nominations can be linked to a simple act of kindness that made a difference, or a business that has improved staff well-being.

Schemes delivered by a charity or organisation to support a mental health issue are also encouraged to apply.

Entries are accepted from the Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley areas until Sunday, September 1.

KCC Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “Whether you’re an individual or an organisation; whether you are working in the voluntary sector, for a charity, or in the community, in a school, or a council, or business, any walk of life, please do put in your nominations for the awards.

“Submitting an entry is easy and it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work. It’s also a chance for all of us to celebrate the brilliant efforts going on across Kent to help improve residents’ mental health and wellbeing.”

KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, added: “Having good mental health helps us go about our daily lives, connect with others and deal with challenge, change and uncertainty.

“The awards are a great way to recognise the people and organisations that help us give us the strength to get through tough times and the skills to recover and thrive.”