Ex-nurse honoured for a career helping others

Mr Westacott, centre, spent much of his career helping people struggling with mental health issues

A former nurse who has devoted much of his life to helping people struggling with mental health issues has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Tony Westacott, from Bristol, started his career as a support worker before qualifying as a mental health nurse.

Among his many achievements, the 51-year-old spearheaded the launch of a new apprenticeship programme, which led to 500 staff getting pioneering training.

“It's a shock, but a very pleasant surprise to be nominated, so to win an award, certainly for a lifetime contribution, it's a real honour," said Mr Westacott.

His award was one of many given out at the 2024 Our Health Heroes Awards.

Throughout his career, Mr Westacott worked for the Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

After leaving nursing, he has worked in a number of management roles.

Bristol-based Author and historian Alice Roberts presented him with the award at the ceremony, held at Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.