Hayley Mulenda, a second-year student studying Sociology and Social Policy at Kent’s School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR), has received The Diana Award 2020 for her efforts to support mental health globally.
The Diana Award was established in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, to recognise young people who go above and beyond for social action or humanitarian efforts.
London-born Hayley Mulenda (22) is an advocate for young people and adults struggling with mental health crises, using her own experience to remind them that they are not alone. She carries out work with universities, companies, and the UK Cabinet Office showing the importance of improving their mental health programmes. Hayley hosts workshops for students and employees, presents keynote speeches to encourage the need for positive change and has even released a self-help book titled The ABCs to Student Success.
This year’s Diana Award recipients were virtually honoured by the Duke of Sussex and other well-known changemakers.
Hayley Mulenda said: ‘I loved what Princess Diana stood for. So I am happy to be recognised for the work that I do under this award, it’s an accolade that I do not take lightly. This just reminds me to keep going, it reminds me of the importance of helping others to develop good mental health and wellbeing’.
Dr Vince Miller, Head of SSPSSR, said: ‘We are delighted that Hayley has been recognised with The Diana Award. This is such a significant achievement and shows her determination to support the mental health of others and make a positive difference. I have no doubt that her work in this area will continue to flourish whilst she completes her sociology and social policy degree at Kent.’