People who have fought back from major health setbacks are being celebrated by Dorset Healthcare.

The group are looking for inspirational stories of courage, kindness and determination to showcase at an upcoming awards ceremony, and want anyone who has battled to overcome serious injury or illness to step forward.

The 2018 Road to Wellness awards in March will spotlight people from across the county who have faced debilitating physical or mental health problems, which they are living with or are making a good recovery from.

The important role of carers will also be celebrated, with their Carer Award.

Nominees are shortlisted across six categories, and will be invited to a ceremony at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre in March.

Anyone can nominate, but the form must be submitted by midnight on Friday, February 2.

Categories include:

  • Group Award- where a group of people have regularly supported each other in making a recovery.
  • Kindness Award- where someone demonstrated extreme kindness and understand towards people who need help
  • Inspiration Award- where a person has become a great role model for others by fighting to overcome severe difficulties in living with a mental or physical health condition
  • Courage Award- where a person has been particularly brave, determined and positive on their road to recovery
  • Carer Award- where someone has shown outstanding commitment, support and positivity to aid another person through their health issues
  • Outstanding Achievement Award- a particularly powerful story where someone has managed their recovery exceptionally well or made an outstanding contribution to their community.

Nominees will have preferably used a service provided by Dorset Health Care, and anyone can submit a nomination, with nominees eligible for more than one award.

Lyn Osman, from Poole, collected the 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of her recovery from debilitating depression.

She said: “I was overwhelmed when I won.

“It was not until then that it dawned on me just how far along the road to recovery I had come.

“The awards ceremony was an opportunity for me to share my success with my family.

“They were so proud of me and I felt I was at last giving them something back for all the care they had given me during my illness.

“If you know anyone who deserves recognition, I would say: go for it!”
The 2018 winners will be announced at Lighthouse in Poole on Tuesday, March 20, and the evening will start with a buffet from 5.45pm and followed by the awards at 6.30pm.

To nominate a patient or to book your place to attend the awards, visit dorsethealthcare.nhs/road-wellness or call 01202 277085.