Dorset Mind is thrilled to announce that Calvin Glen deservedly won the ‘Inspiration’ category of the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust ‘Road to Wellness’ Awards.
Dorset Mind’s Marketing Manager, Dee Swinton, who nominated Calvin for the award, said “Calvin has a diagnosis of Asperger’s with associated mental health issues. But despite these considerable challenges, he faces them head-on in two ways – by channeling his experiences through his music – he’s a singer/songwriter – and by his work for Dorset Mind. The results are simply outstanding, even more so that he’s just 16.”
Calvin speaks about his mental health problems very eloquently, and with the confidence of someone twice his age. In his capacity as a Dorset Mind ambassador he has spoken and played music at various events, and has helped raise awareness of mental health to people of all ages. This has helped enable Dorset Mind to obtain funding to start to establish their Youth Mental Health Services.
Last year Calvin staged two fundraising music events, persuading his talented musical friends to give their time for free. The two-day event ‘Christmas on your Mind’ was devised to launch the single of the same name (that he had written and recorded) and to raise funds. Together these events raised over £1,200 for Dorset Mind.
Upon winning his award Calvin commented “I was so shocked and excited to have won an Inspiration award at the NHS Road to Wellness Awards. All the nominees are incredible people who have achieved amazing things, they all deserve to be winners. I am feeling very humbled.”
Dr Andrew Mayers, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University and Patron for Dorset Mind said “We are very proud of Calvin. He has used his own challenging experience to help others and raise awareness about the need for better mental health support for young people.”
“We are rolling out services to support young people across Dorset, but we need funds to do that. Calvin’s story, and passion in telling it, will help show why those services are essential. I am sure Calvin will continue to inspire many people to not only overcome problems they face in a positive way, but to fulfill their ambitions.”
You can help Dorset Mind fulfil their ambition to provide young people’s mental health services by donating via https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/dorset-mind/youthservices
LINKS
– You can find more information about Calvin’s music on his Facebook page and Twitter feed. He also hosts an open mic night at The Cabin in Poole every other Monday.
Find out more about the Road to Wellness awards on the Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust’s website page here.
