Good Morning Britain 1 Million Minutes Awards

Good Morning Britain's first 1 Million Minutes Awards ceremony kicked off in London last night with a host of celebrities turning out to celebrate those dedicating their lives to helping fight loneliness in the UK.

The GMB studio was transformed for the ceremony and SEVEN winners were honoured by presenters Ben Shephard and Kate Garraway.

There were tears and laughter throughout the emotional hour-long awards at Television Centre and Dame Barbara Windsor also sent a moving video message to one winner - Danny Brown, who was given the award named in honour of the British TV legend.

Award presenters included - Scott Mitchell, Larry Lamb, Stanley Johnson and Kate's jungle buddy Myles Stephenson. The Grief Encounter choir, whose members have all suffered a loss of a parent or sibling, also performed and British poet, Hussain Manawer, recited an exclusively commissioned poem about loneliness and isolation.

Kate Garraway said: We decided to do an award ceremony after hearing all the great stories of people giving up their time to volunteer to help people who are lonely in the UK. It's been an honour to celebrate those going above and beyond for the cause.

Praising the magnificent work of the winners, co-host Ben Shephard added: Its been such a pleasure. We have a room full of well known faces from stage, screen and politics but most importantly we were joined by some true heroes, the tireless volunteers donating their time to help end loneliness.

The awards sprung from GMB's campaign of the same name, which started in 2016 aimed at raising awareness for the 2 million people in the UK who are lonely or isolated. Viewers can pledge minutes of their time to volunteer to help end the blight of loneliness. So far, a total of over 150 million minutes to date has been pledged.

List of 1 Million Minutes Award winners:

MENTAL HEALTH LONELINESS CHAMPION

Winner: Keith Ineson, from Northern Ireland

Background: At 14 years old Keith knew he was gay, but because he was growing up in farming he didn't feel able to come out until he was 50.

After founding Cheshire's Agricultural Chaplaincy Team, Keith began working with gay farmers and realised how many people across the country in the same situation must also be hiding their sexuality and consequently facing enormous pressures on their mental health and wellbeing. He then set up Gayfarmer.co.uk for gay farmers suffering mental health issues and feeling lonely and isolated and the Gay Farmer Helpline in 2010. It is the only service of it's kind in the UK to support men in isolated rural communities struggling with their sexuality.

Keith said: Since starting the helpline for gay farmers we have helped nearly 500 farmers, some of who were suicidal, so I am extremely pleased that this work has been recognised in this way.

Award presented by Adil Ray & Bobby Norris

DAME BARBARA WINDSOR AWARD

Winner: Danny Brown, from Northern Ireland

Background: The award is for someone who has helped people with Alzheimers or Dementia combat loneliness. Winner Danny was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014 and struggled with the diagnosis, so made plans to end his life. But after contacting the Alzheimers Society, he got support, became involved in volunteering and he hasn't looked back. He has visited schools, churches, shopping centres and even a cinema to raise awareness about dementia.

Danny said: I have vascular dementia. I am very badly damaged all down my left side. I am blind now in my left eye. The Alzheimers (society) make life so much easier, so much happier. We still have so much to offer - I am still a man, I live every day of my life. I fly the flag as best I can.

Award presented by Scott Mitchell & Larry Lamb with a special message from Dame Barbara

THE PRINCE'S TRUST YOUNG CHAMPION AWARD

Winner: Hidden Talent

Background: Hidden Talent is a group of long-term unemployed young people from Leicestershire. In total they have volunteered almost 10,000 hours of their time to raise public and corporate awareness of the barriers to employment faced by young people due to hidden disabilities. All members of the group have faced their own personal challenges with hidden disabilities and health conditions, and they were keen to support others who might be in a similar situation to themselves. One of the key issues the group wanted to tackle was the understanding of the needs of young people with hidden conditions like mental health problems, school exclusion and homelessness.

The group has previously organised a series of events highlighting hidden conditions supported by the Chamber of Commerce, Leicester Business Festival, Leicester City FC and the Leicester Tigers.

Award presented by I'm a Celebrity's... Myles Stephenson

ANIMAL LONELINESS CHAMPION

Winner: Diana Taylor, from Norfolk

Background: Diana started Cuddly Cavies two years ago when she had to give up work to look after her son who has autism. Cuddly Cavies provides a pet based therapeutic animal activity for the elderly, disabled or young children. Diana takes her guinea pigs into care homes across Norfolk to provide the therapy.

Diana said: You get some amazing results. My visits make such a difference. I went into one place and spoke to a lady about guinea pigs and when I came out the carer said she had never heard her talk so much since arriving at the home.

Award presented by Stanley Johnson & Montanna Brown

THE COMMUNITY AWARD

Winner: Kelly Lindsay, from Norfolk

Background: Kelly saved up her own money to start the charity Friend in Deed' that creates friendship across generations through various intergenerational schemes, with the aim of reducing loneliness and promoting kindness. Intergenerational care home visits involve babies, children and young adults who visit care homes, dementia cafes, day centres and

LINK:	https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/good-morning-britain-1-...
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