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2 nominations from readers

• Andrew Latchford should win mentor of the year because he inspired me to set up Chipmunkapublishing in 2001 and he has inspired me every day since. He is the most committed person that i have ever met. He works flat out 7 days a week to help others and asks for nothing in return. Without his support Chipmunkapublishing would not have grown to what it is today and we would not be able to support other people to help themselves and help others with mental illness. Andrew is the man behind the scenes that keeps the company strong, dynamic and secure. He is both the strength and soul of the company and is the kindest person that i have ever met. When the going gets tough Andrew digs in and makes you stronger. This makes Andrew unique and the greatest mentor i could ever wish for. He is also the most committed and effective social entrepreneur that i have ever met and i feel priviledged to know him and work with him. Andrew Latchford is a true social entrepreneur and mentor.

  08 April 2008

• I think Andrew Latchford should win this award because he really is a mentor, someone who gives and inspires, never asking for anything in return. He makes an endless contribution to this social enterprise, through his business acumen and social conscience, thus also helping the wider movement of mental health empowerment.

  Rather than hoarding skills and their rewards, Andrew has trained all staff in publishing, business and promotion skills, and has then encouraged us to run discreet sections of the company, on our own, but with him there if we need him. He has helped Jason develop his business and PR skills, and Mary to develop her e-book and design skills, so they can now work independently and learn new areas from Andrew, like paperback design and bidding.

  He has also personally taught hundreds of authors how to design their own paperbacks, thus sharing skills with hundreds of people who others have dismissed because of their illnesses. Some of these authors have gone on to lead their own small social enterprises, often as advocates or motivational speakers, each bolstered in confidence, and life and organisational skills through the experience of producing a piece of literature. Through his flexibility and confidence he has helped people to learn to have these qualities themselves.

  In this way Andrew has selflessly made his contribution to the field of social enterprising, not just one company, as far-reaching and long-lasting as anyone could. His vision has created revenue sources for numerous authors and jobs for those employed by Chipmunka as well as other businesses which have been inspired by our work. And he has ensured that this social enterprising will go on, being carried out by people with the necessary business skills and vision, and inspired by the ethical, trustworthy and generous example of Andrew himself.

  08 May 2008