Mental health champion felt 'remarkable' after honour

Julie Matthews was given her medal for services to mental health in Somerset

A mental health practictioner who was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) said the ceremony made her feel "remarkable".

Julie Matthews, 66, runs Chard Watch, a organisation helping people with mental health difficulties in the town.

Julie was among a number of Somerset residents who recieved the award from the Lord-Lieutenant at The Newt estate.

She said it made her feel like she had left her mark, but admitted it was "blooming hard work".

Julie set up a peer support group in 2007, after experiencing her own difficulties with mental health.

In that time, she has progressed on to running Chard Watch, which supports people suffering with isolation to connect with their communities.

She said: "There was a lot of stigma then, there still is a lot of stigma, but it's getting better.

"But it's actually hard, once you've start to lose your self esteem, your confidence, to actually make that leap when you're clinically depressed."

Julie added her work has included schemes getting people onto farms and into nature, and one instance where a homeless man was able to go to university.

There were six recipients of the BEM in Somerset

Speaking about her day at The Newt, Julie said: "They spoke about you and how you were respected and valued

"That makes you feel... just remarkable. It really did it.

"It did make me feel... 'we've made a mark'".

She said it was "very, very special", and added the lieutenants spent lots of time with her on the day, talking to the other recipients and being made to feel "honoured".

Julie said she saw the ceremony, recieving her first pension, and her nomination at the BBC Radio Somerset Make A Difference Awards, as the "end of an era, but a start of something new", hoping others will step in to join her line of work.

Julie was one of six people from the county to recieve the BEM, with Somerset's Lord-Lieutenant, Mohammed Saddiq, who presented the medals, adding "They represent the dedication these individuals have given to their communities over the years.

"They truly deserve this recognition."