Ella Greenwood’s films cover a range of strategies to raise awareness of mental illness

Ella Greenwood (centre) was presented with her award by TV presenter Matt Allwright and Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers

An Enfield woman has been named among 27 “exceptional individuals” honoured with the British Citizen Award (BCA) for her work helping young people with their mental health.

Ella Greenwood experienced depression as a teenager and was hospitalised from an eating disorder. She struggled to get the support she needed and felt that her mental illnesses were never taken seriously. At the age of 16, Ella was told by her GP that if her eating disorder had gone undiagnosed for any longer, her heart would have given out.

This was a catalyst for Ella, who wanted to share her story to prevent it happening to others, and to reach the widest possible audience, forming her production company ‘Broken Flames’ to focus on mental health and improving the representation of mental illness.

Using different forms of media and arranging events, screenings and talks, Ella has raised the awareness of mental health among thousands of young people year-on-year. Ella has remained an ambassador for the teenage mental health charity Stem4 since 2020.

Ella’s films cover a range of strategies to raise awareness of mental illness. Her films have partnered with mental health charities such as Humen and Papyrus, and have covered such topics as anxiety, self-harm, depression, loneliness and grief. The films have starred Bafta winners and have screened to audiences across the globe, sparking meaningful conversations.

Recognising her outstanding contribution to society, Ella received the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Arts (BCAa) in a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster last week.

She was presented with her BCA Medal of Honour by TV presenter Matt Allwright and Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers and patron of The Peoples Honours, who said: “Today’s medallists are truly unsung heroes, making a positive difference to the lives of others and are thoroughly deserving of this prestigious honour.

“Ella demonstrates true citizenship by working tirelessly to make an impact in their community and society.”

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