the mentl awards 2025: Awards Kit
Important dates
April 1 2025:
‘the mentl awards 2025’ opens for entries – click here to enter directly
August 31, 2025
Awards entry closes
Please note that the entry deadline is final. The system will automatically prevent entry submissions after the deadline. In the case of an extension to the deadline this will be communicated by mentl by email and on social media.
All work (initiatives, projects, individual efforts) will have been substantially implemented between November 23, 2024 and the entry deadline August 31, 2025.
Shortlisted finalists will be announced the week commencing Monday, October 13, 2025 (subject to change)
Presentation of ‘the mentl awards 2025’ will take place in November 21, 2025 at the mentl awards 2025 gala dinner at the stunning Folly Brasserie and Terrace, at The Address, Montgomerie, Dubai.
Important: While we’d love to celebrate with all our winners in person, attending the gala dinner is not required to receive an award if you win. Please note that attendance at the gala dinner requires purchasing either seats or tables via the mentl community, this is a separate purchase and not included in the entry price.
Entry costs
Standard entry: AED 800 (plus VAT & charges)
Entrants to ‘the mentl awards 2025’ can submit as many different projects as they feel meets the awards criteria.
Projects which meet the criteria in more than one category can be submitted multiple times.
Payment for the awards is via credit card and online payment gateway.
An invoice will be issued at time of completing submissions.
Your entry is just the beginning
Every submission to ‘the mentl awards 2025’ automatically enrolls you as a mentl community member for 12 months.
As part of your membership, you’ll receive:
- Early access to exclusive mentl events and roundtables
- Our monthly newsletter featuring expert insights, content and member news
- A platform to connect with like-minded mental health advocates across the region
Award finalists will be invited to attend the gala dinner as part of their membership status, with attendance subject to a separate purchase. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Entry Fee Disclaimer
Please note that all entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether, or not, an entry is shortlisted as a finalist, or selected as a winner. Entry into ‘the mentl awards 2025’ program does not guarantee progression to finalist or winner status, as submissions are judged solely on merit by an independent panel of experts.
All entries are reviewed fairly and rigorously, and the judges’ decisions are final. By submitting an entry and completing payment, entrants agree to these terms and acknowledge that the entry fee covers the administrative and operational costs of the awards program, not the outcome.
If you have any questions about the judging criteria or process, we encourage you to reach out before entering.
For any inquiries or support please contact awards@mentl.space – click here to enter directly
Entry guidelines and process
- Companies or individuals, institutions and initiatives based within – or delivered in – the GCC (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain) may submit entries on behalf of themselves or others. It is the entrants’ responsibility to seek and ensure permission has been granted for the right to use the intellectual property of the brand or individual entered.
- Your entry must be submitted as a two-page PDF. There is no word-count but your entry must be contained to two pages of A4 and be readable to qualify. We suggest using size 11 font and above. This can be designed as you like, and the judges will welcome creativity in approach.
- The file should not be larger than 30MB and must be uploaded to the mentl awards 2025’ platform https://mentl.awardsplatform.com
- IMPORTANT: Failure to submit the two-page PDF will mean your entry cannot be considered. No refunds will be offered for entries missing their PDF.
- You will also be asked to submit a 40-word description and image for your entry which may be used for publication if shortlisted. You will be asked to upload your organisations logo to be used for publication. The logo must be submitted in a hi-res vector /ai. format.
- Please make sure all your entry details are entered correctly, including organisation and project name, as this will be used in the awards presentation and engraved on trophies if selected as a finalist or winner.
- The mentl team may carry out random due diligence checks on shortlisted entries, which will include confidential verification of information.
For any inquiries or support please contact awards@mentl.space – click here to enter directly
Supporting documents
Material may be supplied as follows on the Awards entry submissions platform:
- Upload JPEG or PDF files. Maximum file size is 5MB per piece. A maximum of three supporting documents can be uploaded with your entry
- Video attachments may be hosted on a video site such as YouTube or Vimeo – please remember to provide a password if required. Do not send video via we-transfer or any link which may expire.
- Provide website URLs to the publicly accessible campaign or active URL of a landing page. Please ensure any applicable usernames and passwords are provided and active.
- Supporting documents should only serve as background information or to support the main submission, as judges will score each entry based on the main two-page submission. Your entry should be fully explained within the main submission form.
- IMPORTANT: Failure to submit the two-page PDF will mean your entry cannot be considered. No refunds will be offered for entries missing their PDF.
For any inquiries or support please contact awards@mentl.space – click here to enter directly
Judging confidentiality & publication
- Organisations participating in the judging process are encouraged to enter the awards, but will absent themselves from any discussion involving their organisation or any organisation in which they have an interest.
- Judging criteria are clearly defined within each online entry, including score weighting.
- A shortlist of the highest-scoring entries will be selected for each category. In each case, the winner will be the campaign with the highest score.
- An average score will be calculated based on the number of judges for that submission (judges will have to recuse themselves where there is a conflict of interest). A mark of 60% is required for an entry to be shortlisted. If there are more than 5 entries which receive 75% or above, only the top 5 will be shortlisted.
- IMPORTANT: Entry does not guarantee short-listing as a finalist, only the independent judges’ scores enable this. No refunds are offered to entrants who do not score highly enough to qualify for the final stages.
- mentl reserves the right to publish submissions from the winners and shortlisted entrants. Where certain information is sensitive, such as budget figures, please mark ‘not for publication’.
For any inquiries or support please contact awards@mentl.space – click here to enter directly
Categories & scoring
Your submission should include the following:
Identification of Mental Health Issue & Objective Setting – 15%:
Was the specific mental health issue or challenge identified and clearly explained both from a clinical and socio-communicative perspective? How were the goals set? Were they relevant and achievable given the identified mental health issue?
Research & Data – 15%:
What kind of research was done to identify the mental health issue or to develop the objectives? Was a variety of data, such as surveys, case studies, or clinical data, used in this process? Was there an evidence-based approach to the proposed solution?
Strategy & Planning – 15%:
Was there a clear strategy outlined to tackle the identified mental health issue? What was the rationale behind the strategy? Is the tactical plan reflective of the strategy? Were various stakeholders like health practitioners, patients, families, etc., involved in the planning process?
Innovative Approach – 15%:
How did this initiative impact the community or other stakeholders? Was the approach forward-thinking and bold? Did it incorporate new methodologies, therapies, or technologies in the field of mental health?
Execution – 20%:
How well was the plan executed to address the mental health issue? Did the team demonstrate capable progressive, and innovative methods in their execution? What makes this initiative stand out from others in the field of mental health? How effective were they in overcoming unforeseen challenges, such as stigma or lack of resources?
Results & Evaluation – 20%:
What was the method of evaluation and why was it chosen? Are there clear outcomes, KPIs, and metrics to show the initiative’s impact on mental health? What was the impact on the community or the mental health field at large?
For any inquiries or support please contact awards@mentl.space – click here to enter directly
Categories
Celebrating ‘best in country ‘ initiatives
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in the UAE
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in Saudi Arabia
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in Qatar
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in the Sultanate of Oman
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in Kuwait
- Best mental health and well-being initiative in Bahrain
This is open to any initiative from any industry, organisation or institution, whether public, private sector, based within, or delivered in, the selected country.
Entries into these categories, can also be submitted separately into any other relevant categories (such as industry specific).
Mental Health Heroes: Empathy in Leadership
The ‘Mental Health Heroes: Empathy in Leadership’ category is tailored for those individuals who have been beacons of empathy and understanding in their leadership roles.
If you’re a leader who’s consistently demonstrated a compassionate, empathetic approach, placing mental health support at the forefront of your leadership strategy, then this category is for you.
We are looking for leaders from all sectors, be it business, healthcare, public sector or education.
If you’ve brought about substantial, positive changes to the mental wellbeing of your teams and fostered a supportive environment, don’t miss this opportunity to have your efforts recognised and rewarded.
Mental Health Heroes: Advocate of the Year
This is the platform for individuals who’ve tirelessly campaigned for mental health awareness and support.
If you’re a passionate advocate – whether you’re an influencer, community leader, or just an individual who’s used your voice to make a difference in the mental health landscape, then this is your category.
We’re looking for individuals who’ve made a positive impact, whether it’s through awareness campaigns, volunteer work, policy change, or innovative initiatives that promote mental wellbeing.
If you’ve played a crucial role in shaping the mental health discourse, this is your chance to be celebrated and recognised for your dedication and impact.
Mental Health Heroes: Rising Beyond
This award seeks individuals who’ve shown extraordinary resilience and determination in the face of mental health challenges.
If you’ve lived with mental health issues and achieved personal or professional milestones this category is for you. We’re looking to recognise those who’ve used their experiences to foster positivity, inspire others, and challenge the stigma around mental health.
Whether you’ve succeeded in academia, business, sports, the arts, or any other field, your journey is an inspiration and deserves recognition.
Enter this category to share your story and empower others on their mental health journeys.
Note – this category is free to enter
Mental Health Heroes: Mental Health Champion 2025
The ‘Mental Health Heroes: Mental Health Champion 2025’ category is dedicated to individuals who have gone above and beyond in championing mental health and making a lasting impact.
If you’re an advocate, professional, volunteer, or someone who has tirelessly worked to raise awareness, promote mental health initiatives, and create a positive change in the lives of others, this category is for you.
Whether you’ve initiated community projects, provided support to individuals in need, or used your platform to amplify mental health conversations, your dedication and commitment deserve recognition.
Enter this category to share your inspiring journey and continue making a difference as a true Mental Health Champion of 2025.
Outstanding well-being initiative in finance
Showcasing projects or initiatives to support mental health either internally for teams or externally in the wider community from across the financial sector, be it banking, financial services, exchanges or insurance.
Entrants for this award should have introduced impactful initiatives, such as providing mental health support to employees, establishing policies that consider customers’ mental health, or creating tools that aid individuals in managing financial stress.
They could also have played an instrumental role in integrating mental health considerations within financial planning, services and advice. Their contributions should indicate a meaningful intersection of mental wellbeing and financial health, fostering a finance industry that is mindful of the psychological wellbeing of its employees and clients.
Most impactful financial literacy category
Showcasing work aimed at addressing the positive mental health impact of financial literacy, either internally within organisations or as a community project.
Entrants for this category should have implemented exceptional initiatives that effectively educate individuals, particularly those dealing with mental health issues, on financial management.
This could include creating resources to help manage money, prevent debt and alleviate financial stress, or devising programmes that empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
Their work should demonstrate a clear understanding of the complex relationship between financial wellbeing and mental health, and make a real-world impact in reducing the stress and anxiety often associated with financial instability.
Outstanding well-being initiative in Education
How are schools supporting student wellbeing? Or that of their staff?
This category is ideally suited for schools, universities, educational institutions, charities, or individuals who have shown exceptional commitment towards promoting mental health awareness and support within the education sector.
Potential entrants could be those who have developed comprehensive educational programmes, interventions, or innovative tools designed to educate students about mental health, foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment, or provide direct support for those suffering from mental health issues.
Best caring for the carers initiative
How are our front line workers in the healthcare industry being supported? Open to any healthcare provider from individual clinics to hospital groups.
The ideal entrants for this category are those who have initiated innovative programmes or implemented effective strategies to support carers – such as those providing direct care for individuals with mental health issues – in handling stress, avoiding burnout, maintaining work-life balance, and enhancing their caregiving skills.
In essence, they prioritise the psychological welfare of these unsung heroes, underscoring the importance of carers’ own mental health in the larger picture of mental health care.
Outstanding contribution to mental health and well-being in healthcare
How has your organisation shifted the needle in healthcare?
Are you a government department, a health insurance provider or a healthcare-focused company?
Showcase how your organisation has made a difference. They could have developed innovative healthcare solutions or policy changes that not only benefit individuals with mental health conditions but also reshape societal perspectives on mental illness.
Their contributions should embody their relentless dedication to enhancing the mental wellbeing of their community, marking them as trailblazers in the mental health sphere.
Most supportive technology company
In the ultra fast-paced world of technology, amid deadlines and pressures to constantly innovate, how has your organisation supported your teams?
These awards companies that prioritise mental wellbeing within their own workforce, incorporating robust mental health policies and employee support systems.
These entrants are pioneers at the intersection of technology and mental health, leveraging digital innovation to create accessible and efficient mental health solutions while fostering a workplace culture of mental wellbeing.
Most innovative mental health tech
This award seeks trailblazers revolutionising mental healthcare through technology. It’s ideal for tech startups with pioneering applications, researchers driving tech-based treatments, or institutions with cutting-edge delivery of mental health services.
Candidates for this award may have developed innovative technology solutions, such as mental health apps, teletherapy platforms, AI-driven tools, or wearables that help monitor and manage mental health.
This award is for innovators making mental health resources more accessible and impactful in our digital world.
Outstanding well-being support in retail
This award invites companies that have instituted exemplary mental health practices in retail.
If your firm has robust mental health policies, offers strong employee assistance programs, or fosters an environment promoting mental wellness, this award is for you.
Stand out as a retail leader where mental health isn’t just a phrase, but a principle woven into your organisation’s fabric.
Best mental health care in the logistics provision
This award calls upon firms making extraordinary strides in mental health within the logistics sector.
If your organisation has prioritised mental well-being, implemented supportive policies, and successfully cultivated a culture of empathy and understanding, this award is an excellent opportunity to shine.
Be recognised as a trailblazer in an industry where mental health care is more important than ever.
Outstanding well-being support in the energy industry
This category invites companies in the energy sector, from oil and gas to renewables, that demonstrate exceptional commitment to mental health.
If your organisation fosters a work environment where mental well-being is prioritised, nurtures open dialogue around mental health, and deploys effective measures to support employees, this award is your chance to be acknowledged.
Stand out as an exemplar in an industry where maintaining mental health is crucial amidst dynamic and challenging work conditions.
Outstanding well-being support in the aviation sector
This category is an opportunity for organisations within the travel sector that champion mental health.
If your organisation has implemented robust mental health strategies, encouraged conversations about mental well-being, and provided excellent support systems for your employees, this award is a platform to highlight your efforts.
Illuminate your commitment to mental health in an industry often faced with high-stress situations and irregular work schedules. Let your good practices inspire others.
Outstanding well-being support in the construction industry
This category invites entries from organisations within the construction sector that have made exceptional strides in supporting mental health.
If your organisation has been proactive in building a supportive work environment, fostering open dialogue about mental well-being, and providing comprehensive mental health services for your employees, then this award is your chance to shine.
Showcase your dedication to mental health in an industry often challenged by high stress and demanding physical labour. Your commendable efforts could become a beacon for others.
Outstanding well-being support in manufacturing and engineering
This category welcomes entries from organisations within the manufacturing and engineering sectors that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to mental health support.
If your organisation is actively promoting mental well-being, facilitating open conversations about mental health, and providing comprehensive mental health services, then this award is a platform for you to gain recognition.
Highlight your efforts to prioritise mental health in industries often marked by high-stress environments and demanding work schedules. Your valuable contribution could inspire other organisations to follow suit.
Best well-being support in professional services
This category is designed for organisations within the professional services sector that are setting a high bar in mental health care.
This could be firms in accountancy, consultancy, company creation and beyond, that are making notable strides in mental health support.
If your organisation is implementing effective well-being programmes, cultivating a mentally supportive environment, and actively encouraging mental health discussions, this is your opportunity to showcase your work.
Your commitment to the mental well-being of your employees in an industry known for high-pressure and demanding roles could pave the way for improved mental health support across the sector.
Best well-being support in the legal profession
This category welcomes entries from law firms, legal departments, or organisations providing legal services, demonstrating exceptional commitment to mental health support.
If you are tackling the mental health challenges intrinsic to the legal profession by creating supportive policies, implementing comprehensive well-being programmes, or fostering an open culture around mental health, then this award is your platform to inspire others.
By showcasing your pioneering efforts in addressing the mental well-being of your team, you can set the standards for others in the legal field.
Outstanding well-being support in the public sector
This category is calling for entries from public sector entities in the UAE be they government agencies or departments who are showing commendable commitment to mental health.
If your team is creating nurturing environments, implementing robust mental health strategies, or actively promoting mental well-being, we invite you to apply.
Share your impactful initiatives and become an inspiring beacon for other public sector organisations to follow, promoting the prioritisation of mental health in the public sphere.
Outstanding public sector mental health initiative
This category is open to all public sector organisations who have pioneered or implemented an exceptional initiative to enhance mental health.
Let your transformative work inspire others, demonstrate your leadership in mental health support, and set a powerful example for public sector organisations.
Your project or strategy will have made a real impact on the community it aimed to help.
Outstanding well-being support in the creative sector
This category welcomes entries from organisations across the spectrum of creative industries.
Whether you’re a design agency, a film production company, a performing arts group, or in advertising, if you’ve made significant strides in promoting and safeguarding mental well-being within your workforce, this is your chance to shine.
Showcase your exemplary efforts in fostering a supportive work environment where creativity thrives alongside mental health and let your story inspire others in this vibrant sector.
Outstanding mental health event or well-being support in the event sector
This category is ideal for event organisers, venues, and support services within the event industry who have made noteworthy contributions to mental health.
This could be through hosting a successful event focused on mental health awareness, or by implementing robust support systems for employees in a sector where the pressures of organising and executing events can take a toll.
If your organisation has been pivotal in advancing mental health dialogue or support in the event industry, we encourage you to enter and set a positive example for others to follow.
Best well-being support in PR and communications
This category welcomes entries from PR and communications agencies or in-house teams that have made significant strides in mental health support.
If your team has implemented remarkable initiatives to prioritise mental wellbeing, managed effective internal communication around mental health, or promoted mental health awareness through public campaigns, this category is for you.
Apply today and showcase how your efforts are helping to reshape the narrative around mental health in the PR and communications industry.
Best well-being support in the start-up / SME sector
This category calls for entries from start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 50 employees or fewer that have made impressive strides in advocating for mental health.
If your organisation has developed a standout mental health programme, fostered a culture of mental well-being, or has innovative solutions to support mental health in the workplace, we want to hear from you.
Step forward to be recognised for the impact your initiatives are having in the entrepreneurial sector.
Outstanding community impact by mental health practitioners
Clinics and practitioners making a difference in local communities through mental health support should enter this category.
This accolade recognises those who have demonstrated exceptional initiative, positively impacting the mental wellbeing of their community.
If your establishment has developed unique approaches or treatments, or has implemented outstanding outreach programmes to foster mental health in your local area, this category is for you.
Inspire others with your work by showcasing your success and commitment to mental health care.
Best well-being support in Human Resources and talent management
This category is tailored for HR departments, talent management professionals and recruitment agencies that have excelled in promoting and protecting mental health in their respective environments, whether in the public or private sector.
If your team has implemented impactful mental health policies, provided comprehensive support or utilised innovative practices to encourage mental well-being in the workplace, we welcome your entry.
Your successful efforts could serve as a guiding light for other organisations in creating a healthier, more understanding work environment.
Outstanding well-being support in real estate
This category is an opportunity for companies within the property sector to showcase their mental health initiatives.
If your firm, whether you’re in property management, development, sales or related areas, has made significant strides in promoting mental health support, creating inclusive policies, or fostering a workplace environment that prioritises mental well-being, we encourage you to participate.
Highlighting your efforts can help drive industry-wide change towards better mental health.
Outstanding well-being initiative in sports, fitness or wellness
This is an award category tailored for organisations within the sports, fitness, or wellness sectors that have pioneered exceptional mental health initiatives.
If your club, fitness centre, wellness program or sporting association has spearheaded programmes that foster mental well-being, encouraged open conversations around mental health, or demonstrated a significant commitment to supporting the mental health of your members, staff or participants, this is your chance to shine.
Your participation can inspire others in the industry to prioritise mental health.
Best mental health initiative in the life sciences industry
This category invites companies, research institutions, and healthcare providers in the medicinal and life sciences industries that have implemented an exemplary mental health project.
If your organisation has initiated a project that significantly contributes to mental health awareness, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, and demonstrates innovation, effectiveness, and a significant positive impact on individuals or communities, you’re encouraged to enter.
Share your successes and inspire the broader industry to invest in mental health initiatives.
Outstanding well-being in the mobility sector
This category is tailored for organisations operating in the mobility sector – including public transportation, ride-sharing, automotive manufacturing, or any related area – that are pioneering in providing exceptional mental health support.
Whether you are a company offering outstanding mental health care to your employees or a service provider initiating robust mental health programs for your customers, we encourage you to enter.
Help us spotlight your commitment to fostering a mentally healthy environment in the dynamic mobility sector.
Best well-being initiative in hospitality and tourism
This category seeks to recognise establishments and companies in the hospitality and tourism sector that have implemented outstanding mental health initiatives.
If you’re a hotel chain, a travel agency, a tourist attraction, or operate within the broader hospitality and tourism field and have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the mental well-being of your staff and customers, this category is for you.
Your efforts in nurturing a supportive work environment or providing mental health resources for travellers could set a precedent for the whole industry.
Best well-being support in the FMCG sector
This category is tailored for companies operating in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting mental health within their organisations.
If you’re a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of consumer-packaged goods and you’ve instituted mental health initiatives to benefit your employees or customers, then this category is designed for you.
Whether you’ve implemented mental health policies, workshops, resources, or wellness programs, your innovative approaches to safeguarding mental health could pave the way for industry-wide best practice.
Best well-being support in a charity or non-profit
This category is curated for charities and non-profit organisations that have shown unwavering dedication to mental health care within their operations.
If your organisation, regardless of size, has introduced innovative mental health programmes, nurtured a supportive environment, or engaged in activities that uplift the mental wellbeing of your staff, volunteers or those you serve, then this award is a fit for you.
This category provides an opportunity to highlight your charity or non-profit’s crucial work in supporting mental health and encourage others in your sector to do the same.
Note – this category is free to enter
Outstanding well-being support to front-line heroes
This category is designed for those supporting our heroes, from the police, firefighters, the Armed Forces, paramedics etc providing exceptional mental health support to front-line workers.
If your programme has helped front-line professionals cope with the unique stressors of their roles, particularly in challenging times, this is your chance to shine.
Your efforts deserve to be recognised. Let’s celebrate the vital work you do to maintain the mental well-being of those who serve our community.
Outstanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative
This category welcomes entries from organisations that are pioneering a more inclusive approach to mental health.
If your initiative has made a significant impact in making mental health support accessible and relevant for individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, genders or abilities this is the right category for you.
Whether you are a non-profit organisation, a healthcare provider, a corporate business, or a public sector institution, we want to acknowledge your efforts in promoting mental health inclusivity.
Celebrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion by submitting your groundbreaking work.
Best use of design to support well-being
This category is for design firms, architects, urban planners, or individuals who have skilfully utilised design principles to enhance mental health outcomes.
Entrants for this award may have innovatively designed therapeutic spaces, developed inclusive designs that consider the mental well-being of individuals, or created products that aid in mental health management.
This can range from calming sensory rooms in healthcare settings, to thoughtfully planned public spaces promoting social interaction. Entrants should exemplify how thoughtful design can effectively support mental health and foster an environment conducive to mental wellbeing.
Best ESG project that supports well-being
This category is tailored for corporations, social enterprises, non-profit organisations, or individuals who have developed exceptional projects aligning Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles with mental health support.
These entrants should have implemented initiatives that make a significant impact on mental health while also adhering to sustainable environmental practices, promoting social justice, and ensuring good governance.
This might include programmes that enhance employee mental health in a green office environment, initiatives supporting mental health in communities affected by climate change, or governance policies that address the mental health impact of corporate actions.
The entries should illustrate a conscientious effort to intertwine mental health support within broader ESG goals, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility.
Good luck
For inquiries please email awards@mentl.space
To enter directly visit https://mentl.awardsplatform.com
