A WOMAN who empowers women that have experienced substance misuse, domestic violence, and trauma has been shortlisted for a top award.
Bernadette Herron has made it to the final of he been Mustak Mirza Award (formerly Service User and Carer Choice Award) category for the Values Awards 2025.
Presented by the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), this award recognises individuals or teams that have made outstanding contributions to the care and recovery of service users.
Bernadette has been nominated for the work she does as a peer co-ordinator at Better Together – one of the five organisations of Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS) which provides free and confidential training, treatment and support for anyone affected by their own or someone else’s substance misuse.
It is a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) and is founded and driven by those who have navigated their own recovery journeys and now offer vital insights and empathetic support to others.
Bernadette said “With a longstanding passion for empowering women, I have focused on addressing the unique challenges they face concerning addiction and mental health.
“I volunteered at SIAS for two years while maintaining my previous employment, during which I facilitated women’s groups that provided supportive environments for discussing and navigating recovery journeys.
“Recognising the distinct ways addiction and mental health issues impact women, I tailored these sessions to address their specific needs, fostering a space for shared experiences and mutual support.
“I am a firm believer in the possibility of recovery for all individuals.
“My work is driven by a passion for supporting women and a commitment to creating environments where they feel empowered, valued, and equipped to overcome challenges.
“By providing tailored support and fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, I strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.”
Mark Pemberton, service manager at SIAS, said: “We are delighted with Bernadette’s nomination as it communicates our core values.
“We are proud to have many strong and dedicated women on our staff team.
“Their lived experiences fuel their passion for supporting others on the journey to recovery.”
Mustak Mirza served as the Trust’s Deputy Lead Governor for seven years and was associated with BSMHFT for over two decades.
His dedication to enhancing mental health services and improving the lives of others left a lasting impact, leading to the award bearing his name.
The Values Awards 2025, including the Mustak Mirza Award, will be presented in May at the Aston Villa stadium.
