Local Hero

International Bank Recognises Award Winning Achievements of Stigma Busting Mental Health Charity Volunteer.         

On Tuesday the 6th December 2011 Richard Muzira of CoolTan Arts won a ‘Local Heroes award from Bank of America’ for his volunteer service, CoolTan Arts is very proud of his achievement, not just as a volunteer but his skills as a video maker. This is a brilliant achievement for CoolTan Arts unique approach to stigma busting as they bring Mental Health and disability to the forefront. Thank you Bank of America and thank you Richard, who says
‘It is refreshing to see a corporation exercising its social responsibility towards the community it operates in.’
Richard chose CoolTan Arts as the charity of his choice to donate his £3000 prize from Bank of America of unrestricted funds – which the organisation greatly needs due to the cuts to the provision of Services. Since April 2011 CoolTan Arts has seen 82 people who attend here lose their services, only 15 are eligible for the new personal budgets, and at least 12 have returned to hospital.
Michelle Baharier, CoolTan Arts CEO says ‘We are really lucky to have someone as skilled and dedicated to the work that we do as Richard, whose eloquence far out does mine; he is thoughtful and considerate and I am very honoured to have been able to be here when he received his award.” This is a stigma busting landmark as volunteers from mental health charities rarely win mainstream awards like this. Richard was a proud winner alongside four others and represents an innovation in mental health work, as he was nominated by CoolTan Arts for his volunteering, which has included film, pod-casting and sound art. 


Further information about CoolTan Arts is available from: Jenny Irish, Operations Director jenny@cooltanarts.org.uk 020 7183 0368

CoolTan Arts believes mental well being is enhanced by the power of creativity.