People who have received outstanding care and support from their mental health trust are taking the opportunity to say the biggest thank you they can as nominations in the Putting People First Awards 2016 are received.

We have joined forces with Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) to launch two Public Choice categories in the mental health trust's staff awards. And there is still time to nominate your mental health hero and thank NSFT staff for the care and support you or someone you know has received.

Three of the nominations received so far include:

'Emma Wigley (CAMHS, Norfolk) helped me become independent again, considering a year ago I was housebound and had nothing…. She helped me apply to college… She treats me like a normal person; she's always up for my jokes and works with me in the way that I work best. She takes an interest in my life even coming to meet my puppy when I first got her. It's the little things like that which make you feel valued.'

'Alex Jones (Central IDT, Stowmarket) is a breath of fresh air and always helps in a way I cannot describe. Without her, I would have lost hope – she has kept me going through some of the toughest times of my life. I find it difficult to talk but Alex has given me patience and time to listen and advise. I would love Alex to be given an award as, to me, she is a life-saver.'

'Paul Caithmore (CAMHS, Ipswich) took our frightened, angry little girl and helped her understand and embrace her differences and begin to grow into a bright young adult. He treated the whole family with warmth and understanding and helped us feel proud of our coping strategies and successes. Now diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Autistic Spectrum Disorder, life is still tremendously hard for our daughter and those who love her, but we know we are not alone.'

The award is in two parts; one section for nominating staff working the trust's adult mental health services and the other for staff working in children, families, and young people' services.

This is the first time the trust has had Public Choice categories in its staff awards and NSFT chief executive Michael Scott said it was part of its commitment to listening even more closely to its services users and carers, and encouraging them to shape the organisation moving forward.

'We are really pleased that nominations have already started coming in, and would encourage anyone who hasn't yet made a nomination to do so,' he added.

NSFT's awards celebration takes place on Thursday, 5 May, at Sprowston Manor, near Norwich.

To nominate visit www.nsftawards.co.uk.

Nominations close at midnight on Monday, February 29.