Edge Hill University third-year BSc Mental Health Nursing student Georgia Warrington is proud to “make a difference” after winning the Mental Health Advocate of the Year at the 2026 Empowerment Awards.
The Empowerment Awards 2026 highlighted individuals and organisations who make a positive impact on the lives of people in the disabled community.
Georgia, who is in the final few weeks of her degree at the University, and is set to graduate this summer, has been a committed campaigner to supporting mental health advocacy and awareness.
The Empowerment Awards were held in March at the Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football Club, with Georgia combining her advocacy with completing the final stages of her degree.
“It honestly felt surreal. When I advocate for individuals, I never do it expecting recognition, never mind an award like this. When I received the Mental Health Advocate of the Year award, it was also very reassuring. It reminded me that the work I do genuinely makes a difference, and that the people I’ve supported and worked alongside feel seen, heard and valued,” Georgia explained.
“Being a third-year mental health nursing student at Edge Hill University has given me the opportunity to put the skills and knowledge I’ve learnt into practice, while building confidence in myself as a future nurse. It’s allowed me to focus on the areas I’m most passionate about, particularly advocating for individuals and promoting inclusive, equal care within my practice. The course has also helped me find my voice professionally and continue developing both personally and academically, while using my skills to make a positive difference to others.”
Georgia praised the support of Edge Hill University, and she believes the guidance she has received on campus has helped shape her professional and personal growth.
She added: “The University has encouraged me to use my voice, advocate for others and continue developing my confidence as a future mental health nurse. I’m especially grateful to my personal tutor, Mo Ghoorun, who has supported me throughout my entire university experience. The consistent support and encouragement has made a huge difference to both my professional growth and my confidence in advocating for mental health awareness.
“Studying my degree whilst also being an advocate has definitely challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Balancing the emotional and academic demands at times has tested me, but I’m incredibly grateful for those challenging moments because they’ve helped shape me into the resilient and reflective person I am. They’ve reinforced why promoting inclusion and mental health awareness is so important to me.”
Everyone at Edge Hill University would like to congratulate Georgia on winning the Mental Health Advocate of the Year at the 2026 Empowerment Awards.
July 3, 2026
