A local newspaper reporter in south London has beaten 10 national newspaper and magazine rivals to be crowned journalist of the year by mental health charity Mind.
Eleanor Harding picked up the award last night for the Newsquest-owned Wandsworth Guardian series, which ran a year-long campaign aimed at challenging the myths about mental illness.
She was shortlisted against newspaper journalists from the Guardian, Observer, Independent, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and Independent on Sunday.
Harding also beat off competition from the Big Issue, Top Sante and Men’s Health.
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Judges praised her articles which explored the lives of people with lesser-known mental health problems, including body dysmorphic disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.
Nina Lakhani from the Independent on Sunday was highly commended for her investigative reporting on the issues faced by people with mental health problems.
Mind head of media Claire Ashby praised the “sheer range and quality of articles submitted this year” which she said had all contributed towards improving understanding and awareness of mental health issues.
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“The media plays a major role in shaping our attitudes towards mental health,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see so many journalists playing their part in getting the true picture of mental health across.”
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