A TETBURY woman has been name in the the New Years Honours List for services to mental health and people with learning disabilities.

Jane Melton, 54, a senior allied health professional from Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the MBE.

Professor Jane Melton is director of therapies with the trust, as well as professional lead for Allied Health Professionals with the One Gloucestershire Integrated Care System, visiting professor with the University of Gloucestershire, honorary professor with Queen Margaret University, in Edinburgh and trustee of the Elizabeth Casson Trust.

An occupational therapist by background, Jane has worked with people who have learning disabilities and people experiencing mental illness for the majority of her 30-year NHS career.

Her exceptional service and outstanding contribution to her profession was recognised in 2012 when she was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Jane said: “I feel deeply honoured to have been awarded the MBE.

"Working for and with people in our Gloucestershire and Herefordshire communities has been a great privilege.

"I dedicate this award to the commitment and achievement of my colleagues who have helped to tackle mental health stigma and have advanced the quality of our services through great teamwork.”

Chief executive Paul Roberts added: “This honour is richly deserved. Jane has made a huge contribution to improving the lives of people who use our services, as well as furthering developments in therapy and recovery-focussed programmes for people with mental health and learning disability conditions locally, nationally and internationally.

"As an influential allied health professional she has opened up new opportunities for different approaches to care and treatment, as well as supported and guided many clinicians throughout their careers.

"As a board member, Jane has also served our trust with huge dedication and we are delighted her service has been recognised in this way.”