Midcheshire Independent Issue 190

3 APRIL 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Vital message: One of the shadowportraits (Photo credit: CW&CC) ANANTWICHhuman- itarian has been rec- ognised on the world stage for a second time. Dr Parveen Smith was presented with the United Nations Global Peace Council New York Award 2026 and named Mental Health and Well- being Advocate of the Year at a glittering cere- mony held in a top hotel on Broadway. The latest honour follows her prestigious award ceremony at the Houses of Parliament last September, where she was recognised for more than two decades of dedicated humanitarian work sup- porting communities in the UK and overseas. The United Nations Global Peace Council works to break the cycle of poverty and social iso- lation, restoring hope and ensuring individuals have access to the resources and opportunities needed to live with dignity. Parveen’s work has extended far beyond Brit- ain. In Nepal, following an earthquake, she helped feed entire villages, deliv- ered sanitation kits and worked alongside her friend Nirmal to build tin homes in remote moun- tain communities cut off from aid. She also pro- vided orphaned children with food and essential school supplies. InHaiti, she led a small team including a nurse and engineer to rebuild a children’s orphanage after an earthquake, helping make it self-sustainable while supplying food, clothing and sanitation. She also secured 100 pairs of flip flops to pro- tect children from injury and paid four years of unpaid wages for local teachers so they could continue supporting their families. More recently, Parveen, 55, has supported people affected by the war in Ukraine. She said: “This award belongs to the communities who have trusted me, the volun- teers who stand beside me, and the local sup- porters who continue to believe in making a dif- ference together.” Making a difference around the globe Honour: Dr Parveen Smithwithher latest award Help emerges from the shadows SHADOW portraits of local men have appeared in venues across North- wich to start conversa- tions about mental health. The Breaking the Stigma art project is designed to reduce the stigma around seeking help during difficult life events. Across the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, which is sadly reflected in Cheshire West and Chester. In response to this, artist Mark Titchner worked with men in Northwich and Elles- mere Port to discuss their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about how best to create messages to signpost people to crisis support. Many of the participants spoke about feeling invisible, even when they were with other people. In response, Mark developed a project idea around shadows. Men from the borough have taken part in workshops to create their shadow portraits, which have been transformed into wooden figures by Mid Cheshire Community Shed. Each shadow is accompa- nied by a poster that shares information about the project and helps to signpost people to crisis services both locally and nationally. If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, visit: www.111.nhs.uk and click on ‘mental health help’ or call 111 and select the mental health option.