The People’s Award

Highly Commended: Nathan Devlin, School and University of Cumbria

Nathan is a compassionate and empathetic teacher, driven to provide students with the experiences he didn’t have himself. He is passionate about inclusivity, understanding, and ensuring children are not misunderstood. His work is highly valued and truly inspiring.

Winner: Barry Smith, Barry’s Beats

Barry spreads joy and celebration through his inclusive disco nights. Using his passion for music, he creates a safe, fun, and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. From 90s hits to classical and Disney, he plays something for everyone, believing that everyone deserves a good social life.

The Employer Award

Highly Commended: Autism Initiatives

The organisation demonstrates a clear vision that people with Autism, given the right support, can reach their full potential. Their services empower individuals to take ownership of their lives, and their dedication to meeting the needs of people with Autism and their families is both inspiring and impactful.

Winner: Kilcreggan Homes LTD

This is a passionate and inspiring organisation that invests in its staff as much as the people they support. The dedication, creativity, and commitment demonstrated are exceptional, and the work shared highlights how effectively they deliver person-centred support. They are a true example of best practice and make a real difference in people’s lives.

The Newcomer Award

Winner: Nuala Deans, Connected Health Group

Nuala joined Live Connected in a newly created leadership role in Supported Living. While she brought valuable experience from domiciliary care, it quickly became clear that this new environment allowed her strengths to shine, enabling her to build meaningful relationships and make a real impact on the people she supports.

The Support Worker Award

Highly Commended: Tyrese Cameron, The Cedar Foundation

Tyrese impressed with his evident dedication to the people he supports and the energy he brings to every day. His thoughtful and compassionate approach to supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge is particularly commendable.

Winner: Shonene O’Connor, The Cedar Foundation

Shonene is an inspiring person to listen to, radiating genuine warmth and passion in delivering exceptional support to those in need. The remarkable changes and positive impact she brings to children and families are truly impressive.

The Frontline Leader Award

Highly Commended: Ciara Hughes, Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Ciara spreads positivity and relatability in her role, inspiring others to pursue a career in learning disability nursing. She is a valued and respected member of her team, whose infectious enthusiasm radiates to both staff and service users. Passionate and committed, she advocates for her field and works to promote learning disability nursing as a rewarding career path within her trust.

Winner: Magda Ostrowska, Kilcreggan Homes Ltd

Magda demonstrates exceptional empathy and understanding for both her staff and service users. She has progressed from a student on placement to her current role as manager, embedding her strong values in the way she leads. By leading from the front, she fosters a culture of equality, compassion, and teamwork. I was particularly impressed by how she recognises her staff’s strengths and actively supports their professional development.

The Manager Award

Highly Commended: Tanya Todd, The Cedar Foundation

Tanya spoke with a clear and inspiring vision for the future, demonstrating her dedication to creating positive change for the individuals who access Cedar Foundation. She is clearly passionate about her role and the people she works with, consistently showing commitment and drive in everything she does.

Winner: Claire Berry, Kilcreggan Homes

Claire emphasised that both the team and the individuals accessing their services are equally important. Developing Kilcreggan was a collective effort, focused on creating lasting positive outcomes for those using the service. Regular support and training for staff ensured everyone was aligned and working together towards the same goals.

The Making a Difference (Individual) Award

Highly Commended: Barry Smyth, Barry’s Beats

Barry recognised a gap in local inclusive activities and completed his DJ course to provide the community with a fun, safe space. His initiative allows people of all abilities to enjoy music and social interaction, creating an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone.

Winner: Deborah McGinn, Informing Choices NI

Deborah is determined to change the world, and we believe she will. Her passion for her work is unwavering, embracing new learning opportunities to grow her knowledge and skills, while valuing the experience built over a lifetime. She approaches her role with enthusiasm and dedication, advocating tirelessly for the people she supports.

The Making a Difference Team Award

Winner: Healthier Me Ambassadors, Mencap NI

Starting with the goal of making their local gym accessible, they have grown exponentially, creating additional projects, participating in yearly marathons, training staff in multiple gyms across Northern Ireland, and delivering educational sessions in schools to support others with learning disabilities.

The Breaking Down Barriers Award

Highly Commended: Youth Matters – Youth Action Team (YATs), The Cedar Foundation

The Youth Matters Youth Action Teams were recognised for their passion, dedication, and impact. They consistently empower young people to have their voices heard, foster inclusion, and inspire positive change in their communities.

Winner: Telling It Like It Is (TILII), Association for Real Change (ARC NI)

The group leads by example, supporting each other to grow in confidence, develop new skills, and ensure their voices are heard. Their dedication to empowerment and advocacy makes a real and lasting impact on the community they represent.

The Positive Behavior Support Award

Highly Commended: PBS Team, Positive Futures

The PBS Team was recognised for their exceptional dedication to person-centred, proactive support. They consistently empower individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives, focusing on long-term positive change rather than reactive or restrictive approaches. Their commitment, expertise, and collaborative approach have a real and measurable impact on the people they support.

Winner: Rachel Lewendon, Positive Futures

Rachel was dedicated to transforming negative attitudes towards Positive Behaviour Services. She believed that services should place the individual at the centre of everything, focusing on long-term positive change. Rather than being reactive or relying on restrictive approaches, her work emphasised empowering individuals and supporting them to become independent adults.

The Outstanding Contribution Award

Highly Commended: Gareth Baker, Mainstay DRP

Gareth has dedicated his career to Mainstay with remarkable passion and commitment. Beginning his journey as a care assistant, he has progressed to senior roles through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering focus on improving the lives of those he supports. Gareth’s experience, leadership, and long-term contribution have had a lasting and meaningful impact on his colleagues and the individuals he serves.

Winner: Kathryn Coey, Praxis Care

Kathryn has been an exceptional support worker at Kimberley House, consistently demonstrating co-production, creativity, and leadership in everything she does. From organising memorable trips to creating personalised and inclusive environments, Kathryn’s dedication ensures that every individual she supports can thrive and feel valued. Her commitment, innovation, and unwavering focus on person-centred care make her a truly outstanding professional.