So, two blog posts in a row featuring something a little unexpected having landed in my inbox… This time, it’s the news that I’ve been nominated for a National Diversity Award – specifically, the Entrepreneur of Excellence award.
I don’t know who put me forward (if it was you, thank you!), but I’m genuinely touched. These awards recognise individuals and organisations across the UK who are working to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion – and I’m very aware I’m in the company of some fantastic people doing fantastic work.
The nomination is connected to my work around encouraging equal access to eating disorder care – through client work, training, resources like The ED Recovery Companion, and challenging the systems that leave people behind. It’s work that matters deeply to me, and it’s honestly quite lovely to see that reflected in this way.
I promise I’m not about to start calling myself “award-nominated” in my email signature… but it does mean something. Because the issues I care about – equity, lived experience, changing narratives – really do need more attention, especially when it comes to eating disorders.
If you’d like to take a look at the awards or cast a vote (for me, or for someone else doing fantastic work), you can do that here: https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/
Directly go to the page to vote for me here: https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/awards-2025/nominations/kel-oneill/
Thanks, as always, for reading, sharing and supporting
I heard you talk at Chester Uni, when I was an undergraduate, and even though I’m not involved with the Eating Disorders world – you encouraged me to persue teaching as a profession. You were erudite, passionate and knowledgeable in your chosen topic and your passion really shone through. You skillfully imparted the necessary facts, embedded them in our subconscious, and entertained us also. Your one-hour lecture left me more informed, more curious to continue my understanding of this topic and just more enthusiastic for having met such a great educator. Many thanks.
Joe, thats actually wonderful. I’m so glad something i said resonated so much and I hope you are enjoying teaching.
You came and gave a talk years ago at the dance college I used to attend and my personal tutor assured us that you would be coming to work with those of us that were struggling with our this stuff – which in reality was practically all of us!! However several months later, when nothing had happened, my parents subscribed to The Recovery Companion for me and this really saw me through. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that I might have struugled even more if it wasnt for this service. Way to go Kel, I really hope you win.
It couldn’t happen to a nice person. I have followed you for several years now, and seen the diversity of the work that you understake. You are truly inspirational.
Thats very kind. thank you 🙂
I saw you at Manchester University when you came and gave a chat during Eating Disorder Awareness week – and after listening to you talk this encouraged me to reach out to the uni and they got me the counselling that I needed to catch my ED in the bud and stop in developing. Many thanks.
Glad to hear this Paul 🙂
How fantastic. Hope you do well
I wish you all the best Kel, and hope that you win this award.