National award for Worcestershire's mental health work

June 22, 2026 - 20:08

Worcestershire's director of public health has received a national award for her work supporting the mental wellbeing of local communities. Dr. Lisa McNally was presented with the prestigious accolade at a ceremony in London, recognizing her innovative approach to tackling mental health challenges across the county.

The award highlights Dr. McNally's efforts to move beyond traditional clinical treatment and instead focus on community-based solutions. Her team has developed programs that address the root causes of poor mental health, such as social isolation, financial stress, and lack of access to green spaces. One notable initiative involved training hairdressers, librarians, and local shopkeepers to recognize signs of distress and offer a listening ear, creating a network of support outside of doctors' surgeries.

Dr. McNally said the award was a reflection of the hard work done by many partners across Worcestershire, including charities, schools, and the local council. She emphasized that mental health is not just a medical issue but a community issue, and that small, everyday interactions can make a significant difference. The recognition is expected to boost the profile of Worcestershire's approach, which has already seen a reduction in emergency mental health admissions in some areas. The award also serves as a call to other regions to consider similar grassroots strategies for mental health support.