Dr Natasha Binnie, a Medicine (MBBS) graduate from the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, has received a Diana Award for her work in supporting healthcare professionals in the UK, promoting a healthier NHS workforce and supporting widening participation in healthcare careers. Natasha founded Future Frontline, a not-for-profit community interest company, with the aims of inspiring and supporting today and tomorrow’s NHS healthcare workers.
Described as ‘the highest accolade a young person can achieve for social action or humanitarian efforts’, the Diana Award was founded on Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world. The charity aims to empower young people to achieve their full potential, engage them in social action and acknowledge them for their contributions. The Diana Award recognises young people who are change-makers and can demonstrate their vision, social impact, leadership, service journey, and inspiration to others.
The 2023 Diana Award Roll of Honour was announced on 1 July 2023, Princess Diana’s birthday, at a virtual award ceremony. The global ceremony showcased the work of the Diana Award recipients from across the world, including Natasha, and it can be watched here on the charity’s YouTube channel.
Future Frontline was founded by Natasha in August 2020 to address the challenges faced by current and future healthcare professionals in the UK. The organisation offers free events and resources for aspiring and current students, and newly qualified healthcare workers and over 5,400 people have benefited from their free events and resources. Future Frontline aims to create a network of diverse healthcare students and professionals, challenging hierarchies and promoting a healthier NHS workforce.
Natasha is also a mental health advocate, running her social media platform @drtashbinnie. Natasha shares content about her life as a medical student and also raises awareness and challenges the stigma associated with mental health through her lived experiences.