10-02-2025
Prestigious award given to Swindon man after ‘severe mental health crisis'
A Swindon man has been honoured with a prestigious award for his contributions to healthcare.
Steven Carr was one of 26 individuals to receive the British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster.
The award recognises people who have made outstanding contributions to society.
Mr Carr received the BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Healthcare (BCAh) for his work in mental health and suicide prevention.
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He is the founder of Mindcanyon, an organisation that provides mental health and suicide prevention training.
Mindcanyon offers mental health first aid, suicide first aid, and workplace wellbeing programmes.
The aim is to help organisations and individuals recognise early signs of mental health challenges and take action to prevent suicides.
Mr Carr's journey to founding Mindcanyon was inspired by his own experiences.
After a severe mental health crisis at work left him homeless, he walked the length of Great Britain to raise awareness about mental health issues.
He recognised a lack of adequate support and developed his own mental health and suicide education and wellbeing programmes.
Since 2016, Mr Carr has delivered more than 200 mental health and suicide first aid courses.
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He frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing his personal story and the work he is doing to empower others toward better mental health and wellbeing.
Steve Ashton, chief partnership officer at Places for People, presented Mr Carr with the BCA Medal of Honour.
He said: "All nominations were totally inspiring and humbling.
"It was an absolute privilege and honour to represent Places for People as founding sponsors."
The presentation was hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright and attended by BCA patrons, including Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers.
Supporters from sponsors One Stop, Specsavers, Places for People, Wates and Novus Solutions, as well as peer host, The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia, were also present.
Following the ceremony, medallists enjoyed an open top lap of honour tour provided by Big Bus London.
