Lottie, a recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award in 2021, has dedicated herself to mental health advocacy.
Lottie, a recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award in 2021, has dedicated herself to mental health advocacy. The recognition she received for her efforts within her school and community transformed her journey as a changemaker, allowing her to expand her impact and reach. This case study explores how receiving the Legacy Award has influenced her work, highlighting significant milestones and outlining her future aspirations.
Lottie’s initial work began at her school, where she organised events like a 24-hour dance-a-thon for the Mind charity and delivered speeches on mental health. These efforts led her school to improve mental health policies, eventually expanding to workshops in other schools. Reflecting on the early stages of her work, Lottie shared, "I started doing workshops, speeches, and talks to other schools, and that’s how I first was proposed for the Diana Award." This foundational work earned her the Diana Award, marking the start of her changemaker journey. The recognition not only validated her efforts but also ignited her passion for expanding her advocacy across schools and charities.
Being honoured with the Diana Award and later the Legacy Award significantly amplified Lottie’s platform. She began working with various charities, such as Teen Tips, where she took on roles in advisory panels and media engagements. This collaboration led to tangible contributions, such as helping shape mental health support in schools and producing content aimed at improving mental health awareness among young people in their twenties.
Reflecting on the significance of receiving the award, Lottie noted,
"From receiving the Diana Award, I got a newfound sense of motivation and excitement and passion for the work that I was doing, knowing that I was making a difference."
Lottie highlights that the recognition provided her with opportunities she would not have otherwise sought. It pushed her to persist in her advocacy, even when juggling university life, and ensured that her work remained a priority.
Like many changemakers, Lottie initially struggled with imposter syndrome. She found herself comparing her contributions to others, questioning whether her work was significant enough.
"I thought all I’m doing is giving workshops and speeches, why am I here?" she admitted.
However, with the support of mentors and peers, Lottie realised the value of her contributions. She shared how the support provided by the Award and Development Programme team at The Diana Award played a key role in helping her overcome these feelings:
"Louise [Award and Development Programme Manager] was a mentor for me and really helped me find that self-support."
The award also helped her understand that creating meaningful change does not always require grand gestures. Often, it is the smaller, persistent efforts—like influencing school policies and fostering open dialogues about mental health—that have the most significant impact.
"I think we’ve created a great platform where awareness is being spread. We are more open to talking about the issues and talking about mental health is slowly becoming part of day-to-day conversations" Lottie explained, underscoring the progress she’s seen in mental health advocacy in schools.
One of Lottie’s most memorable experiences was attending the 2024 Legacy Award ceremony during which she sat next to Prince William.
"I had the pleasure of sitting next to HRH Prince William. It was so surreal" she recalled.
This opportunity, along with numerous media appearances, reinforced her belief that her work was making a difference. Her involvement in these platforms not only raised awareness about mental health but also allowed her to share her story on a larger scale, inspiring others to take action in their communities.
Lottie’s impact extended beyond her personal achievements. She noted how her work led to meaningful changes in schools, such as the creation of student-led mental health groups and the integration of mental health discussions into the curriculum.
"Some of the schools that I’ve been to have really implemented some of my ideas and suggestions," she said, reflecting on the influence of her advocacy efforts.
Looking ahead, Lottie is determined to continue her work in mental health advocacy, with a particular focus on education. She plans to qualify as a teacher and work on the pastoral side in challenging schools, where she feels she can make the most impact. Additionally, she is excited about her involvement in building mental health curricula as part of initiatives in Windsor, aiming to address the emotional needs of students within the education system.
She emphasised her goals, stating, " Something in the pastoral side of a school is where I feel my efforts would be most useful."
Lottie is also mindful of the importance of maintaining her own mental health while pursuing these goals.
"I know there is a lot I want to do and just making sure that my own mental health doesn’t become compromised because of my passions and my ideas" she explained, underscoring her dedication to balancing personal well-being with her advocacy efforts.
Lottie's journey as a changemaker has been profoundly shaped by her recognition as a Legacy Award recipient. The award not only elevated her platform but also provided her with the support, motivation, and opportunities needed to amplify her impact. As she continues her work in mental health advocacy, her dedication to improving the lives of young people remains unwavering, with exciting prospects ahead in education and policy reform.
