Pharmacy manager given award

Haroon "Harry" Mahmood, pharmacy manager at Well Darlaston on Pinfold Street, has been honoured at The Palace of Westminster with a British Citizen Award for Services to Healthcare (BCAh).

Harry was one of 30 British Citizen Award winners honoured at a prestigious ceremony last month, receiving a medal of honour inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’.

Harry has set up the ‘community health network’ to help those suffering with issues like isolation, mental health, bereavement, and depression.

This community drop-in scheme has become such a resource that local GP surgeries are regularly referring patients that might otherwise not qualify for professional medical help, but who need to talk through their condition or situation with someone who can listen, support them, and sign-post them to the most appropriate local resources to improve their lives.

Harry shared his most proud moments as part of this initiative, which included supporting a family whose 38-year-old son has ADHD by giving them coping mechanisms and general advice, helping prevent the suicide of a vulnerable patient and providing support for a widow suffering depression and isolation.

In addition, Harry volunteers to support the Body Confidence Campaign, visiting schools with his cousin who has Harlequin Ichthyosis, a severe genetic disorder that affects the skin, to help youngsters build their self-esteem and body confidence.

Harry said: "I have now learnt to expect the unexpected! I am so honoured to have won the equivalent of an Oscar for pharmacy. I really did not see it coming at all! It was such a proud feeling to be recognised for my work in the community in front of audience full of such inspirational people - an amazing experience. Once in a life time."