Two people from North Kirklees nameds in New Year Honours

Mubarak Mahmed has been awarded a BEM for services to mental health.

He is one of two people from North Kirklees to be named.

Jayne Anne Law, head of honours and the Kings Award for Voluntary Service at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The New Year Honours List 2024 marks the incredible public service of individuals from across the UK

Mr Mahmed – known as Mubs to friends – heads up the network of Mental Health First Aiders across First Bus.

Pre-Covid, he would manage two or three calls a week from colleagues needing support.

During lockdown and furlough this went up to 10 or 11.

He has published more than 30 wellbeing newsletters with advice, coping strategies, and links to resources.

Andy Cullen, managing director of First Bus in North & West Yorkshire, said: "We’re hugely proud of Mubs and the recognition he has received for his outstanding contribution to watching over the mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues during a critical time.

"Mubs not only helped our drivers and others to cope with the pressures of the pandemic, his ideas have shaped a new way we approach support for mental health.

"Our team leaders are better equipped to identify the signs that someone might be struggling and we have introduced fresh processes to manage their recovery.

"He is a champion of workplace wellbeing in First Bus and Mubs is bringing this passion to help build our equality, diversity and inclusion practices across the business."

Elsewhere Leeds Rhinos hero Rob Burrow has been awarded the CBE for work campaigning for motor neurone disease research.

His former teammate and fellow campaigner Kevin Sinfield was also given the honour.

A total of 83 people from Yorkshire were named on the list, making up seven per cent of the total awarded across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “Everyone from Yorkshire receiving an honour today represents the best in British communities.

"I send my warmest regards to this year’s recipients, all of whom are incredibly deserving for what they have achieved.”