Think Ahead Alum Nikki nominated as finalist for BBC Radio 4 All in The Mind Awards

We are delighted that Think Ahead alum Nikki Lonsdale is one of nine BBC Radio 4 All in The Mind Awards finalists, after being nominated by Vicki who she supported in her role as Care Coordinator.

Shortlisted from almost 1,000 nominations, Nikki is a finalist for the Professional Award which celebrates mental health professionals whose dedication, help and support has made a significant difference to someone they worked with.

Nikki joined the programme in 2017 and later became a Think Ahead Practice Educator and Assessor. Now a Care Coordinator for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Nikki and Vicki worked together in the Early Intervention team, supporting Vicki’s experience of psychosis.

Nikki said the nomination has been a “surreal experience” – “you don’t do this job for the thanks or recognition – but it’s so lovely that Vicki has taken the time to do the nomination”.

Nikki and Vicki had a strong connection from the start of working together, with Vicki feeling at ease as soon as she heard Nikki’s Yorkshire accent. After an emotional start to her journey and two and a half years of working with Nikki, Vicki has been discharged from the team following an improvement in her confidence. Nominating Nikki for the award has also played a role in Vicki’s recovery, allowing her to speak publicly about her experience of psychosis.

The award ceremony takes place in London on 26 June – we are wishing Nikki the best of luck.

Listen to Nikki on BBC Radio 4 speaking about the nomination here.

Find out more about the awards here.