A multi-award winning assistant psychologist at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has added a new award to her collection, after being named ‘Campaigner of the Year’ for her work in promoting psychology at a national level as well as supporting the development and wellbeing of colleagues.
Fauzia Khan won the accolade at this year’s InsideOut Awards at a glittering ceremony at the Troxy in London where her win was announced.
The InsideOut Awards celebrate individuals and organisations who have demonstrated innovation, leadership and best practice in promoting mental health in the workplace and beyond. Fauzia’s category recognises individuals who have made a significant difference to the mental health agenda.
Fauzia was recognised for her continued commitment to promoting wellbeing as well as the promotion of psychology at a wider national stage. Fauzia is passionate about making the psychology discipline more inclusive for other aspiring psychologists from minoritised backgrounds by sharing her own experiences of being from an underrepresented background pursuing a career in psychology, through her writing endeavours, speaking at conferences, and through her ‘Fauzia Khan Interviews…’ series.
Fauzia, who works in the Trust’s Older Adult Division in Sandwell, has been a real advocate for staff wellbeing, which resulted in her co-developing a staff wellbeing initiative during the Covid-19 pandemic. More recently, she has been involved in co-developing the ‘Unlock your Strengths Positive Psychology workshop’ initiative within the Trust’s Older Adult’s division, with Dr Kam Kahlwan (Principal Clinical Psychologist), which was warmly received by multidisciplinary staff groups.
Reacting to her win, Fauzia said: “I am beyond excited to be picked as a winner for this year’s UK Campaigner of the Year Award. This is such an important award that recognises trailblazing work and I am truly honoured to have not only been selected as a finalist, but to also win the award. I would also like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to my colleagues for their unwavering support.”
The judges commented: “Fauzia’s work is inspiring and has affected and changed the lives of many. She is a fearless and committed advocate of mental health and wellbeing across many demographics and situations. Particularly noticeable are her efforts to ensure marginalised groups are impacted and to empower others to work in this area, creating a ripple.”