A dedicated south-west London volunteer who has spent decades supporting mental health carers has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026.

Susan Jane Garner, better known as Sue Garner, has been awarded the Medal of the British Empire (BEM) for her services to mental health carers across south-west London through her work with Richmond Borough Mind.

Sue, who volunteers as a Facilitator for Carers in Mind, has become a well-known figure in the local community through her long-standing commitment to supporting people caring for loved ones experiencing mental health difficulties.

The honour follows another major recognition for Sue last year when she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Richmond Community Heroes Awards 2025, celebrating her years of dedication to carers in the borough.

Richmond Borough Mind praised Sue's contribution, highlighting the lasting impact she has had on families navigating difficult mental health challenges.

A spokesperson for the charity told Nub News: "RB Mind's very own Sue Garner has been awarded a Medal of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026 for services to Mental Health Carers in South West London.

"Sue's voluntary work at RB Mind has provided vital support to our carers with loved ones facing mental health problems and has created a lasting impact within the wider community.

"Through her volunteer-led carers group, advocacy and guidance, Sue has created a trusted place of understanding, helping others to feel seen, supported and never alone.

advertisement

"We are so proud of Sue and her fantastic achievements and we send her congratulations from us all at RB Mind."

Sue's work has focused on providing practical support, emotional guidance and advocacy for carers who often face significant challenges while supporting family members living with mental health conditions.

Richmond Borough Mind is a local mental health charity supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, as well as the families and carers around them, across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.