Staff Awards 2025 shortlist

WINNER

Big Issue North

The Big Issue North team consistently demonstrates its commitment to fighting inequity, directly supporting people who are often excluded from mainstream systems. This includes those facing homelessness, poverty, immigration issues, addiction, mental health challenges, or systemic barriers to employment and housing.

Much of this work involves standing up against the forces that keep people in cycles of poverty. Whether it’s responding to public complaints with patience and education, supporting vendors struggling on their pitches, writing articles to highlight social injustices, campaigning for better services, or securing vital funding, Big Issue North acts as a compassionate voice for some of the most marginalised people in our society.

They are relentless in standing up for equity when vendors experience discrimination and exclusion, and work with vendors in all areas – in health, in wealth and in life.

SHORTLISTED:

Kath Locke Heritage Project

The Kath Locke Heritage Project exists to fight for equity, aiming to give a fresh perspective on Manchester’s Hulme and Moss Side.

The multimedia exhibition, housed permanently at the Kath Locke Centre, explores the history of the area over the past 70 years, celebrating the activism, community spirit and resilience of the area and its people.

For so long, people in these communities have experienced inequity, often rooted in racism, and the exhibition begins to redress that. The team have worked alongside participants in the local communities to ensure that the voices and stories told in the exhibition are authentic, lived experiences. This comes across in the 100 or so stories told on our Jukebox of Memories, on the many films on offer, and in every picture, mural and artefact on show.

Longsight Family Hub

The Outreach, Admin and CAPS teams from Ardwick, Mount Road and Longsight Family Hub are often the first point of contact for families experiencing hardship, trauma, or isolation. This team doesn’t just support services—they make them possible. Their passion, dedication, and relentless drive to reach those most in need is a shining example of what it means to live Big Life’s mission.

The teams go out into the community, knocking on doors, attending local events, building relationships, and identifying families who might otherwise slip through the net. Meanwhile, the admin teams provide the glue that holds them together.

By connecting families with early help, parenting support, childcare, and health services, this team prevents problems from escalating. They help families build strong foundations, reduce stress, and create safe, nurturing environments for children to thrive.

Nominated

• Be Well: Young Person’s Team
• Group Services: Data Team
• Group Services: Finance Team
• Group Services: IT Team
• Liverpool Support Hub
• Living Well Rochdale
• Living Well Rochdale: CVD Team
• Longsight Community Primary School
• Longsight Family Hub
• Longsight Family Hub: Outreach, Admin & CAPS teams
• Play Scheme Workers across Unity and Longsight
• Talking Therapies Eastern Cheshire
• Talking Therapies Manchester: Perinatal Team
• Unity Community Primary and Nursery
• Wellbeing in Prisons Wellbeing in Prisons

WINNER

Children and Parents Service (CAPS)

CAPS have been led by the priorities of their local community, delivering an Urdu speaking parenting course. Parents gain the benefits of the course content in their first language. As one participant said: “This made it much easier for me to understand the information and feel more comfortable participating.”

Parents have built strong friendships and a strong network of support for each other where some were once isolated. It has strengthened the connections of the families in the neighbourhood – as they build stronger connections to each other and the services in Longsight Family Hub.

The group leaders apply the principles of guided discovery and learning, working collaboratively with parents to support changes that are meaningful to their own lives and situations. One parent said: “It has helped me to grow, not just as a parent but as a person.”

WINNER

East Cheshire Talking Therapies

NHS Talking Therapies East Cheshire really know what it means to listen, learn, and change. In the face of unprecedented demand and some of the longest waiting times the service has seen, the team responded with creativity, courage and thoughtfulness.

They listened to what service users were saying in questionnaires, evaluations and verbal feedback, it was clear that they wanted quicker access, more choice and a sense of control in their journey.

From that learning, they implemented a course first model that allows people to access support faster, while retaining autonomy and staying true to the stepped care approach. They also embraced innovation through using AI in the referral process, via an easy to use, accessible tool helping give people choice from the first step.

These changes are already making a real difference. In July 2024, there were 1,161 people on the service’s waiting list. One year later there were 258!

Shortlisted

Achieve

Achieve have demonstrated all of the Big Life Ways in their work. They are community-led and listen, learn and change, using community feedback and studying trends and patterns to dictate where efforts should be targeted. These have recently included additional workstreams in criminal justice, women’s engagement, harm reduction and rough sleeping.

The Achieve team see people, not problems, believing that no matter what a person’s background, experience or status is, they have attributes that will serve them well in order to achieve their goals. The team have effectively co-written their own blueprint for interventions, which involves finding out about the people they work with, and expressing an interest in who they are as people.

Above all, they are relentless. When other services can become frustrated, the team is able to provide a service that will give a person the right opportunities and different tools to be successful. Even when options have been exhausted, the team will seek further opportunities to change someone’s life.

Living Well Rochdale Community Champions team

The Community Champions in Rochdale see the strengths in every person, working in a way that’s informed by life experience. They’ve navigated complex group dynamics, managing challenges with empathy and a person-centred approach.

Through this, they’ve engaged with more champions than ever before and currently have 158 active champions. They have increased the number of champion-led groups and supported record-breaking attendance at walks. They’ve embedded health into their work and supported more community events than ever.

Behind these achievements is a dedicated team working tirelessly; taking time to genuinely talk to Champions, signpost to services, support with safeguarding, and maintain strong communication. This work takes patience, dedication, and a genuine belief in people. The team doesn’t focus on problems – they focus on strengths. They see past difficulties and work with people to build on what’s already there.

Be Well

The Be Well team truly understand that all aspects of people’s lives contribute to health and wellbeing. The team provide wraparound social prescribing support in mental health, physical health, being more connected, money, housing, and finding and staying in work. As a result, 400 people have been helped to gain employment, while more than 3,300 people have been helped to return to work.

They are community led, developing new methods to reach men from racialized communities and disabled people, as well as tailored approaches for the youngest and oldest service users.

For Be Well, being relentless isn’t just a state of mind, it leads to practical changes. Recognising that some people may come back to the service repeatedly, progressing through periods of support, Be Well have adapted their management system to record both long-term and short-term goals set by service users, to ensure that all progress is reported and celebrated.

The Energise Centre

The team at the Energise focus on what truly matters to communities, building on their strengths and recognising their aspirations. Staff are committed to identifying and nurturing the talents and skills of those people they support, while listening to service users is central to their approach.

To do this, they carry out an annual survey to gather valuable feedback, leading to new activities such as meditation sessions and regular outdoor excursions, helping people gain confidence in exploring Salford’s many local assets independently.

The Energise has also become deeply connected with organisations across Salford, enabling them to achieve a huge amount for a small team. Partnerships with the local health improvement team and with NHS organisations have enabled them to introduce everything from a dedicated group for the parents of autistic children, to a men-only group and a creative art course for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Nominated

• Be Well: North Team
• Be Well: South Team
• Big Issue North
• Big Life Liverpool
• Group Services: Data Team
• Group Services: Finance and Payroll
• Group Services: Incident Management System Implementation Team
• Group Services: IT Service Desk Implementation Team
• Group Services: IT Team
• Group Services: Rebranding Team
• Living Well Rochdale
• Living Well Rochdale: Admin Team
• Living Well Rochdale: Chatters
• Living Well Rochdale: Coaches
• Living Well Rochdale: CVD Team
• Living Well Rochdale: Health and Skills Team
• Living Well Rochdale: Kirkholt Million
• Living Well Rochdale: Oral Health Team
• Living Well Tameside
• Longsight Community Primary
• Longsight Family Hub
• Longsight Nursery
• Manchester Centres: Reception
• Manchester Sensory Support Service
• Talking Therapies Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale
• Talking Therapies Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale: Admin Team
• Talking Therapies Manchester: Admin Team
• The Wellbeing Service
• Wellbeing Matters

WINNER

Claire Hesbrook – Living Well Rochdale

Claire Hesbrook shows courage every day through her commitment to safeguarding and fairness. She speaks up when something isn’t right and stands by people when they need support most. When she saw that safeguarding guidance could be stronger, Claire led change – creating a new supervision system now used across Big Life. Thanks to her determination, colleagues feel safer, more confident, and better supported.

As Safeguarding Lead, Claire provides calm, trusted guidance to hundreds of people. She’s turned safeguarding from a process into a shared strength built on openness, empathy, and care. Claire doesn’t just protect policy – she protects people. Her courage has helped make Big Life a stronger, safer, and more compassionate place to work.

Shortlisted

Joseph Campbell – Be Well

Joe Campbell shows quiet, consistent courage rooted in fairness and integrity. Driven by lived experience, he stands up for equity in everything he does – from leading male engagement work to shaping Be Well’s digital strategy. When service changes risked reducing access to support, Joe spoke up, balancing operational needs with compassion.

Moving from leading the CYP Pathway to managing a larger team, he navigated big change with calm focus and care. Whatever the challenge, Joe stays grounded – supporting colleagues, championing clients, and never losing sight of what matters: people’s wellbeing. His courage inspires others to speak truth with kindness, act with conviction, and stand firm in their values.

Iqra Maryam -Unity Community Primary

Iqra Maryam’s courage is quiet but powerful. When her two-year-old daughter – a Unity Nursery pupil – became critically ill, Iqra faced unimaginable fear with strength. Amid hospital visits and daily challenges, she’s continued bringing warmth, humour, and calm to her role at Unity Community Primary. Her steady positivity has lifted colleagues and offered reassurance when things felt uncertain.

Through her compassion and resilience, Iqra reminds everyone what courage really looks like – not loud or dramatic, but steady, kind, and deeply human. She embodies hope in the hardest of times, showing that even through personal struggle, it’s possible to keep inspiring others.

Nominated

• Achieve: Wendy Hornby
• Be Well: Ade Egbe, Amanda Reilly, Anne Ryan, Hidayah Lakhi, Jon Shepherd-Smyth
• Energise Centre: Gina Hine
• Group Services: Bronte Schiltz, Stephanie Walker
• Living Well Rochdale: Asma Akhtar, Hina Nazir, Shameem Nazir
• Longsight Family Hub: Ammaria Zafar, Danielle Hancock, Pretty Allaghen
• East Cheshire Talking Therapies: Lauren Solomon
• Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies: Maha Khalid
• Trafford Talking Therapies: Mary Dempsey
• Wellbeing in Prisons: Terri-Leigh Swinscoe
• Wellbeing Matters: Deborah Johnson

WINNER

Ted Ayre – Group Services

Ted Ayre’s creativity has grown into something truly special – the Wellbeing Garden staff network. What began as a small idea to improve Zion’s outdoor space has blossomed into a community hub for connection and calm. By combining a love of nature with care for people, Ted created a space that supports wellbeing and belonging across Big Life.

From sharing updates to celebrating every bloom, his enthusiasm brings colleagues together. The garden now welcomes local volunteers and could soon be shared with service users too. Ted’s creativity isn’t just about gardening – it’s about finding new ways to connect people and nurture joy. He’s grown more than plants; he’s grown community.

SHORTLISTED

Amy Smyth – Energise Centre

Creativity shines through everything Amy Smyth does. Since taking over the Be Creative group at the Energise Centre, she’s turned it into a welcoming space where imagination and confidence thrive. From upcycling denim to making decorations and artwork for community events, Amy helps people discover their talents and pride. When resources were tight, she sourced materials locally and kept sessions going – proof that creativity always finds a way.

Beyond art, Amy designs workshops that build confidence, support wellbeing, and make learning fun. Her reimagined Diabetes Peer Support Group now blends education with creativity and connection. Thanks to Amy’s passion, creativity at Energise is about more than making things – it’s about helping people feel seen, capable, and inspired.

Caroline Taylor-Nicholson – Unity Community Primary

At Unity Community Primary and Nursery, Caroline Taylor-Nicholson turns ideas into impact. When she saw the need for calm and connection, she secured £10,000 to build a wellbeing garden – designed and built herself. The result is a beautiful, peaceful space that supports reflection and play for children, families, and staff alike.

Caroline’s creativity doesn’t stop there. She founded the school’s Run Club, set up the Green Heroes group, and leads projects that teach children about sustainability through composting, growing and recycling. From improving systems to running community events, her ideas are practical, purposeful, and full of care. Caroline’s creativity makes Unity greener, kinder, and more connected.

Nominated

• Achieve: Nigel Wood, Rebecca Leigh
• Be Well: Nazik Hamid, Sam Naughton, Suraj Singh-Digwa
• East Cheshire Talking Therapies: Paula Albiston
• Group Services: Bronte Schiltz, James Starkey, Laura Rogers, Pavel Tran, Steve Carter, Tom Hermawan
• Living Well Rochdale: Kelly Nicholl, Marie Flaherty, Michelle Duffy, Mohammad Moheeb, Sharon Podmore, Zara Akhtar,
• Longsight Family Hub: Amie Hartshorn, Ammaria Zafar, Laura Steel
• The Wellbeing Service: Emma Turner
• Wellbeing Matters: Sara Watson

WINNER

Jon Shepherd-Smyth – Be Well

Jon exemplifies integrity in everything he does at Be Well, a true ambassador of The Big Life values, as well as his own, by being open and honest in challenging situations.

By taking the initiative and speaking up when he believed service delivery was not meeting the standards that Be Well aspires to, Jon displayed immense integrity and care for his work.

As a true leader, he maintained a restorative approach in this, prioritizing learning from the situation and improving together, as a team.

Jon remains focused on building trusting relationships and starting open dialogues, with both his colleagues and the communities he serves. He leads by example with his respectful and inclusive manner, which helps to build a culture of honesty, accountability, and trust within the workplace.

Shortlisted

Shazia Kazmi – Living Well Rochdale

Through her work at Living Well Rochdale, Shazia has consistently shown incredible honesty and integrity. In her Chatter role she supports complex clients and safeguarding cases referred from Talking Therapies, handling each one with immense compassion, offering honest feedback and always keeping clients’ wellbeing at the centre of her work.

Shazia prioritizes the wellbeing of every client, ensuring they are fully informed and always referred to the support that works best for them, whilst remaining transparent about the boundaries of her role.

This straightforward and honest approach builds trust with both clients and colleagues and ensures the success of the service so people can receive the correct help from the right people. It is this honesty and integrity that Shazia brings to her work every day that makes her an integral part of the Living Well service.

David Steele – Achieve

In his new managerial role, Dave has established a strong and principled approach during a turbulent time within Achieve.

From the outset, Dave demonstrated his moral and ethical approach in difficult situations that arose, ensuring he kept open and transparent communication across the Bolton, Bury, Salford, and Trafford teams. By openly sharing when aspects of his new role were challenging and asking for help, Dave demonstrated humility and earned the trust, admiration and respect of his colleagues.

He is an ambassador for Achieve and The Big Life Group, as a supportive leader who advocates for every voice within the service to be represented and heard. Dave believes in what he does and will always speak his truth in order to provide for the community and achieve the best outcome for both clients and staff alike.

Nominated

• Be Well: Candice Evans-Davies, Lee Stapleton
• Energise Centre: Donna Clarke
• Group Services: Chantelle Coote, Mark Wheeler
• Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies: Eve Foster
• Living Well Rochdale: Asma Akhtar, Riley Draganov
• Longsight Family Hub: Pretty Allaghen, Diane Stephenson
• Manchester Talking Therapies: Vicky Morris
• Wellbeing Matters: Fiona MacGranthin, Rebecca Harkin

WINNER

Inspiration

Shabaz Ahmed – Living Well Rochdale

Shabaz is a natural inspiration and champion for others to be themselves, try their best, and stand up for what they believe in. His genuine and supportive nature has positively impacted those who work with him, as well as the vital work he does at Living Well Rochdale.

His powerful can-do attitude allows him to motivate, inspire, and encourage both service users and colleagues. He is always understanding of people’s feelings, showing care and compassion whilst encouraging others to look at things in a positive light.

Shabaz draws inspiration from everything and everyone he works with, always open to listening, learning, and growing to become the best version of himself. Shabaz maintains an inspiring work ethic, showing determination to always see things through to the end, and finding motivation and gratitude even when they are hard.

Shortlisted

Adam McCarthy – Living Well Rochdale

Adam has supported Living Well Rochdale tremendously, both as a Coach and a Team Leader, a true example of an exemplary leader.

His confident, positive work ethos has encouraged a more inclusive and proactive workplace – where each individual is praised for their hard work and strengths. This includes building meaningful work relationships and being hands-on in supporting staff through the MMP course.

Displaying honesty, empathy, and compassion – he is always ready to provide a listening ear and help his team to find support with any personal or professional problems. The passion and integrity Adam brings to his role has inspired his colleagues to step out of their comfort zones, leading by example as someone who can grow and learn from negative experiences. Adam inspires staff to be their best whilst embracing any learning opportunities as a team, leading them in the right direction.

Suzy Schwenk – Energise Centre

Suzy has inspired both staff and community members at the Energise Centre, starting the garden at the building’s entrance. As a community and clinical service building, Suzy’s dedication has created a beautiful green space which is a real symbol of growth, care, and inspiration for many.

Suzy has inspired community members to start growing their own produce at home, as well as taking inspiration from them by incorporating their ideas. The space has become a true collaboration which shows the spirit of the community.

Suzy also inspires others in her own growth and courage when approaching difficult conversations. She has become a calm and diplomatic voice within challenging group settings, admired for her ability to guide conversations in a constructive and kind manner. Through both her garden and personal manner, Suzy inspires as a compassionate person who creates harmony through her work.

Nominated

• Achieve: Deana Ward, Hayley Hibberd
• Be Well: Jack Endersby, James Sweeney, Joe Barrett, Jon Shepherd-Smyth, Joseph Campbell, Ken Miller, Kim Hyde, Naomi Smith, Stacey Mamoun, Stacie Deans
• Clinical Quality and Risk: Hayley Street
• East Cheshire Talking Therapies: Cara Duffy, Gez Marks, Lauren Solomon, Paula Albiston
• Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies: Hina Akhtar, Ifemi Animashaun
• Group Services: Ashlie Greenwood, Chris Corfield, Nina Valvi, Priti Butler, Rebekah Cheshire, Stephanie Walker, Steve Carter
• Living Well Rochdale: Adele Beswick, Amanda Wrigley, Joanna Nicholls, Jon Henderson, Michelle Duffy, Sanya Karim
• Living Well Tameside: Claire Rooney
• Longsight Family Hub: Kirsty Moore, Leah Chikamba, Saira Ahmed, Susan Parker-Stone
• Manchester Talking Therapies: Alishia Butters, Kim Ashworth
• Trafford Talking Therapies: Dean Weir
• Wellbeing Matters: Shaun Corbett

WINNER

Tanya Tapera – Wellbeing in Prisons

Tanya consistently demonstrates thoughtfulness and resilience in her work at HMP Styal. During one visit to the segregated unit, she supported a resident who could only be spoken to through a closed door. Despite the barrier, Tanya’s warmth and empathy shone through – she laughed with the resident, listened carefully to her worries and needs, and shared memories from their first meeting. That brief conversation left a lasting impact. Tanya ensured the resident received a new toothbrush she’d been requesting and thoughtfully arranged a distraction pack to support her wellbeing. More than that, she helped restore the resident’s sense of connection and dignity.

Tanya puts in effort where others would not. She shows the same care and dedication with colleagues as she does with residents. Her empathy and persistence have transformed team dynamics. As a young Black woman in the prison service, Tanya models excellence, breaks down barriers, and inspires everyone around her with her thoughtful approach.

Shortlisted

Lee Broadbent – Achieve

Lee has shown exceptional thoughtfulness in his work, using his own lived experience to build trust and inspire others. He recently supported a client whose alcohol and substance use, alongside poor mental health, had put him at risk of homelessness. The client had disengaged from services, but Lee took time to understand both the barriers he was facing and his personal interests. Discovering a shared passion for photography and art, Lee used this connection to re-engage him.

Throughout the client’s recovery, Lee celebrated each milestone as he reduced rent arrears, engaged with mental health services, and joined LGBTQ+ mutual aid groups. Lee’s support motivated him to achieve 100 days of abstinence, which they celebrated together at an event Lee organised at The Zion Centre. This thoughtful, collaborative approach transformed the client’s engagement, confidence, and long-term outlook.

Mollie Dracup – Manchester Talking Therapies

This year, Mollie has supported clients through incredibly complex situations, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts or domestic abuse, always responding with empathy, calmness, and a strong focus on safety and collaboration with other services. She takes time to understand each person as an individual, carefully tailoring her support rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Mollie uses case management sessions to reflect deeply on her work, actively listening to feedback, and adapting her approach to meet each client’s needs. Her commitment to professional growth is clear – when undertaking a Long-Term Conditions CPD course, she not only secured her own placement but also arranged one for a colleague struggling to find a suitable placement. Thoughtful, proactive, and empathetic, Mollie brings care and reassurance to both clients and colleagues alike.

Nominated

• Achieve: Christine Hayes, Laura Pritchard, Lynn Bennett, Mandy Hague, Sasha McFadden
• Be Well: Calum Awcock, Candice Evans-Davies, Jon Shepherd-Smyth, Joseph Barratt, Joseph Campbell, Paul Henry, Shannon Shufflebottom
• Big Issue North: Alice Collins, Carli Jones
• Clinical Quality and Risk: Tabitha Jones
• East Cheshire Talking Therapies: Ella Simms, Lauren Solomon, Tamsyn Thompson-Carr
• Energise Centre: Amy Smyth, Gina Hine, Kate Gillibrand
• Group Services: Amina Oduntan, George Wright, James Warden, Jess Corbett, Nathan Bibbon, Nik Butler Ted Ayre
• Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies: Ashley Kattell, Louisa Parish
• Living Well Rochdale: Isha Braithwaite, Jo Yeomans, Juliet Whalen, Michelle Worrall, Nicola Keogh, Sabia Begum, Sharon Pearson
• Living Well Tameside: Claire Rooney
• Longsight Family Hub: Ammaria Zafar, Diane Stephenson, Kelly Singh, Nazia Parveen, Rabia Samdani, Sakeena Raza
• Manchester Talking Therapies: April Fitton, Gabby Trotman, Monika Zembova
• Trafford Talking Therapies: Kerry Chisnall
• Unity Community Primary: Dylan Morgan
• Wellbeing in Prisons: Phoebe Perry, Terri Swinscoe
• Wellbeing Matters: Ruby Ashburner

WINNER

Jennifer Lee – Manchester Talking Therapies

Jennifer is passionate about ensuring fair access for clients whose first language isn’t English. She goes above and beyond to break down barriers to care. Jennifer regularly takes on additional interpreter-supported assessments and treatment sessions, often beyond service expectations, recognising that these clients typically face longer waits. She has built strong, respectful relationships with local interpreters and carefully adapts her sessions and materials, so every client gains the most from therapy.

When she noticed extended wait times for interpreter appointments, Jennifer proactively offered to dedicate her own slots to reduce delays. This was a decision that significantly improved access and experience for clients. Her dedication extends beyond her caseload; by applying to take part in the University of Manchester’s PLANs appointment booking research, she continues to champion inclusion and choice.

Shortlisted

Laura Steel – Longsight Family Hub

Laura exemplifies inclusion, creativity, and compassion in her teaching at Longsight Family Hub. She ensures that every child – especially those with special educational needs (SEN) – feels valued, supported, and fully included in school life. Laura adapts lessons, reshapes activities and even adjusts classroom layouts to guarantee every pupil can participate and thrive. Her lessons celebrate individuality, using each child’s strengths and interests to create shared learning experiences that build confidence and belonging.

When a newly arrived pupil with significant learning and language needs joined her class, Laura immediately adapted her teaching. This included simplifying instructions, introducing visual supports, and working closely with the child’s family to bridge cultural and communication gaps. Through her sensitivity, the pupil quickly felt included and began to flourish both socially and academically. Laura’s classroom radiates empathy and acceptance, where children naturally support one another. She embodies and demonstrates valuing difference.

Atifa Talha – Living Well Tameside

Atifa Talha brings authenticity, empathy, and inclusivity to her work every day at Living Well Tameside. Living with a long-term health condition herself, she uses her experience as a source of strength, helping others feel seen, understood, and empowered.

One of the most impactful ways Atifa breaks down barriers is by offering support in Urdu. For many clients, being able to express themselves in their first language brings enormous relief and comfort, especially when navigating complex issues like mental or physical health. Atifa often goes the extra mile, translating health information, explaining service options, and creating culturally safe spaces for open conversation. Through her compassion, humility, and lived experience, Atifa ensures everyone can access care with dignity and understanding. She truly knows what it means to value differences and celebrate individuality.

Nominated

• Achieve: David Steele
• Be Well: James Sweeney, Mamoona Akhtar
• Clinical Quality and Risk: Hayley Street
• Energise Centre: Donna Clarke
• Group Services: Charmaine Gregory-Schierenbeck, Jessica Grieve, Karen Welsh, Kshitja Umak, Nina Valvi
• Living Well Rochdale: Kelly Dawson, Nicola Keogh, Ryan Whitworth, Sharon Pearson
• Longsight Family Hub: Ammaria Zafar, Saira Ahmed
• Manchester Sensory Support Service: Rachel Addison
• Unity Community Primary: Eliza Henry
• Wellbeing Matters: Andy Officer

WINNER

Rebecca Bradshaw – Unity Community Primary

As Family Support and Wellbeing Worker at Unity, Rebecca helps parents access essential support with housing, health, and finances, ultimately removing barriers to education. Since joining Unity, she has improved school attendance, working closely with families to ensure every child is in school and receiving the education they deserve.

Rebecca combines courage and compassion in everything she does; unafraid to challenge when needed, she always approaches families with warmth, empathy, and respect. Her thoughtful, strength-based approach has reshaped how we engage with our families, helping them to feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Rebecca’s positivity and determination inspire everyone around her. She advocates tirelessly for families, working with services to fight inequality and drive meaningful change. As Unity’s wellbeing champion, she has strengthened staff wellbeing and fostered a culture of care, collaboration, and growth. Rebecca truly embodies the Big Life Way.

Shortlisted

Calum Awcock – Be Well

Calum shows dedication, creativity, and leadership within Be Well. Since joining in 2021, he has progressed from coach to team leader, driving forward the Early Help Network with determination and innovation. Calum has built strong, trusted relationships across all ten PCNs and played a key role in securing the service’s recent extension through his collaborative and solution-focused approach.

Thoughtful and respectful, Calum consistently excels as a team leader. He balances multiple responsibilities while supporting staff through the new senior coach model. His positivity and commitment inspire confidence in both colleagues and partners, ensuring services deliver real impact for the people who need them most. Calum’s courage, honesty, and creativity make him a valued role model across the organisation, embodying the Big Life Way and its mission to fight inequality and change lives for the better.

Kate Gillibrand – Energise Centre

Kate is the heart of the Energise Centre and a shining example of the Big Life Way in action. For more than ten years, she has gone above and beyond to fight inequality, strengthen community, and change lives. Kate has an extraordinary gift for making people feel seen, supported, and valued – whether it’s welcoming someone new to a yoga class, helping them find confidence through a walking group, or simply offering a listening ear when life feels overwhelming. Her compassion has helped people overcome isolation, build friendships, and even gain employment through the confidence she nurtures.

Kate has created warm, inclusive spaces that meet real community needs. This includes meditation and friendship groups to running clubs and safe, affirming sessions for women and LGBTQIA+ participants. Calm in any crisis and tireless in her care, Kate balances professionalism with real kindness. Kate’s courage, creativity, and unwavering positivity inspire everyone around her. She doesn’t just represent Big Life, she is Big Life!

Nominated

• Be Well: Andy Macsparran, Cheryl Samuels, Dan Aris, David Doran, Ian Green, Jon Shepherd-Smyth, Joseph Barrett, Joseph Campbell, Kevin Taylor
• Community Voice: Jonathan Walman
• East Cheshire Talking Therapies: Amy Kirkham, Anne-Lise Loyraux, David Vickers, Dawn Wyatt, Ella Simms
• eTherapy: Stacy Gray
• Group Services: Chris Corfield, Rahim Karim, Mayokun Ajagbe, Mo Chunara, Moira Bell, Nic Seccombe
• Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Talking Therapies: Cherelle Stewart, Naheed Asif
• Living Well Rochdale: Michelle Duffy
• Living Well Tameside: Emma Halawi
• Longsight Family Hub: Rukhsana Ahmed, Vasia Romaiou
• Manchester Sensory Support Service: Karen Green
• Manchester Talking Therapies: April Fitton, Dean Matthews, Jade Critchley, Jaydee Shamsuddin-Roberts, Lucy-Jayne Quinn
• Stockport Talking Therapies: Mike Bradbury
• The Wellbeing Service: Kerry Kelly