Pennine Care People Awards 2025

We’re thrilled to celebrate another outstanding group of finalists. 

With 513 nominations received, making it into the top three is a remarkable achievement. Every nomination reflects the time, thought, and admiration someone has for their colleague or team.

We know that life-changing work happens across our organisation every single day. With the challenges we’re facing, it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate our colleagues.

To us, you’re all winners and we’re very proud to lead such a dedicated, compassionate, and hard-working team of #PennineCarePeople.

Tonight is about celebrating and thanking you. And we couldn’t do it in such spectacular style without our generous sponsors (see below).

We’re very grateful.

It promises to be an exciting and emotional evening. We hope you enjoy every moment!

Best wishes,

Claudette Elliott, Chair

Anthony Hassall, Chief Executive 

Nicky Littler, Director of Workforce

* Please note: The bar and table service will temporarily close between 9pm and 10.35pm. It will re-open from 10.45pm until 1am.  Please allow plenty of time to order your drinks and be seated, so the main event can start promptly at 9pm. Table water will be available throughout the event. Thank you.

Stephanie Hirst is one of the UK’s most loved broadcasting stars. She’s been a fixture on BBC and commercial radio over the past 25 years and played at the highest level behind the mic.

Alongside her radio and TV work, she dedicates a large amount of her time as a public speaker, sharing her inspirational ‘Believe Achieve’ keynote to businesses and conferences worldwide.

She is a Fellow of the Radio Academy, recipient
of an honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University and currently broadcasts nationally on Bauer’s Hits Radio and Greatest Hits Radio.

More at: www.stephaniehirst.co.uk

Winner: Jessica Rimmer (left), Dementia practitioner, Tameside and Glossop older people’s community mental health team

Jessica embodies the heart of nursing. Her kindness,empathy, and determination shine through everyinteraction, bringing comfort, calm, and dignity to patients and families. With creativity and compassion,she finds solutions and co-ordinates high quality care. She transforms lives through understanding and helps keep people at home. She’s a highly-valued member of the team.

Runners up:

Lindsay Coupe (top right), Nursing assistant, Rosewood ward, Stockport

Lindsay is the heart and soul of the ward. Her warmth, laughter, and compassion brighten each day for patients and colleagues alike. Her kindness shines through in all that she does. She takes time to truly listen and always notices the small things. By singing on the job, she lifts spirits, comforts patients, and makes everyone feel special and seen.

Sally Sutheran (bottom right), clinical psychologist, Tameside and Glossop parent infant mental health service

Sally energises and motivates those around her with ease. Her calm, compassionate and creative strength inspires everyone around her. Through challenge and change, she has led with grace, holding the team together with warmth and wisdom. Always dependable, thoughtful and full of light, Sally lifts others simply by being herself.

Winners: Daniel Beresford and Rob Baker, Tameside and Glossop involvement team

Daniel and Rob developed an innovative human library event, bringing people with lived experience of mental health challenges together with NHS staff for honest and inspiring conversations. Their compassion, creativity, and commitment to inclusion have helped reduce stigma and build understanding. Patients' voices are at the heart of care, shaping a kinder, more connected organisation.

Runners up:

Afolabi Ojosu, nursing assistant, Oak ward, Oldham

As project ambassador for NHS England’s Core20PLUS project, Afolabi is passionate about reducing stigma and improving access to mental health care. He works with community leaders to educate and empower African, Afro-Caribbean, LGBTQ+, and other communities, fostering understanding, acceptance, and culturally-sensitive support for all. His work ensures people are seen, supported and valued.

Farrah Atta, Romanah Beg, Penny Brand; NHS Bury talking therapies

Farrah, Penny, and Romanah created a race and equality action plan, a community directory, and staff workshops around cultural barriers. They developed tools for interpreters, championed cultural competence training, and improved care for refugees and asylum seekers. Their kindness, insight, and dedication make services fairer, more inclusive, and truly supportive.

Pictured: Top row from left to right; Afolabi Ojosu, Daniel Beresford, Rob Baker. Bottom row, from left to right; Farrah Atta, Penny Brand, Romanah Beg.

Winner: Olivia Greer (pictured top right), charge nurse, Hope unit

Olivia’s journey from support worker to charge nurse has been outstanding. She continually goes above and beyond, leading admission and discharge checklists, quality review projects, and organising activities for young people, ensuring no one is left out. Her kindness, calm presence, and trauma-informed approach uplift young people and colleagues, making a lasting difference every day.

Runners up:

Matthew Whitaker (pictured left), senior programme manager, strategic delivery hub 

Despite being his first NHS role, Matt has made a remarkable impact in a short time. He’s led key projects such as community transformation, care planning and patient outcomes, and e-rostering. He helped secure nearly £1M for new digital tools and mobile devices, driving more patient-led, connected, and compassionate care. Matt’s insight, determination, and kindness truly embody our values.

Sarah Lomax (pictured bottom left), trainee health psychologist and cognitive behaviour therapist, physical health psychological therapies team

As the service’s first trainee health psychologist, Sarah has shown remarkable ingenuity, kindness, and determination. She’s led initiatives to improve accessibility, translated materials, collaborated with faith leaders, and ensured patient voices shape care. Balancing her doctorate and clinical work, she inspires colleagues and transforms lives - truly one to watch.

Winner: Vanessa Moreland (pictured left), manager, Woodbank psychiatric intensive care unit

Vanessa is an inspiring and compassionate leader who has shaped an exceptional, personcentred service. Guided by kindness, fairness, and innovation, she has created a culture of safety, teamwork, and care where both staff and patients feel valued and supported. Her calm strength, empathy, and vision make her a truly inspirational leader.

Runners up:

Jo Jackson (pictured top right), manager, Tatton unit, Tameside

Jo goes above and beyond for everyone. From organising meaningful activities and advocating for patients, to supporting staff growth, she creates a compassionate and empowering environment. Fair yet firm, she handles challenges with warmth and professionalism. Her kindness and determination shines through. Jo’s leadership transforms lives and inspires everyone around her.

Stephanie Daye (pictured bottom right), deputy manager, Stockport older people's community mental health team 

Steph is an exceptional, compassionate leader who guided Rosewood ward through immense challenges with grace, empathy, and strength. Stepping up as acting ward manager, she brought calm, clarity, and care, supporting staff wellbeing, inspiring trust, boosting morale and reminding them they matter. Steph embodies kindness, resilience, and true leadership.

Winner: Abhinav Kokilagadda (pictured left), specialist physiotherapist for Stockport learning disability service, physiotherapy clinical lead, and team manager

Abhinav supported Delores following a hip fracture, and more recently after a neurological diagnosis. He treats her as a person and is kind, patient, and understanding. He listens, adapts, and always makes her feel seen and capable. Abhinav has transformed her life, helping her regain confidence, independence, and hope.

David Hill (pictured top right), peer support worker, community rehabilitation team

David has provided peer support to Muhammadfor 18 months. Muhammad says his kindness, professionalism, and empathy have changed his life. David has helped him rebuild confidence, stay out of hospital, and find purpose through projects, talks, and media features. Muhammad trusts him completely and feels his compassion, determination, and belief make him truly deserving of this award.

Pat Humphries (pictured bottom left), Structured clinical management practitioner, Stockport complex emotional and relational needs pathway 

Pat supported Caroliner after the loss of her husband led to a mental health crisis. She helped her find hope and refused to give up on her. She listened, understood, and stood beside her through fear, grief, and recovery. With compassion, humour, and fierce advocacy, Pat helped her rebuild confidence, reconnect with family, and rediscover joy through art.

Winners: Living well services – Bury, Oldham, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside and Glossop

Many people’s needs are too complex for primary care but not enough for specialist mental health care. Living well services aim to close this gap by uniting NHS staff, GPs, social workers, voluntary, community and social enterprise colleagues, and others. Their ‘no wrong door’ approach has improved care and experience for thousands of people, transforming lives and offering hope for the future.

Living well teams pictured top, from left to right: Bury, Stockport. Pictured bottom row, from left to right: Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Glossop.

Runners up:

Chloe Brown (pictured left), nurse and assistant ward manager, Woodbank psychiatric intensive care unit

Chloe has shown remarkable ingenuity and determination in improving care for female patients. Recognising that hormonal changes can significantly impact mental health; she developed a tracking tool and has embedded it into care planning. By having sensitive and honest conversations with patients and colleagues alike, Chloe has transformed how women’s wellbeing is understood and supported.

Lucy Smith (pictured right), Tameside mental health liaison team

In just six months, Lucy has transformed mental health crisis care in the emergency department. Through kindness, collaboration, and determination, she’s built trust between teams, reduced waiting times, and ensured patients are treated with dignity and compassion. Her leadership has created smoother pathways, stronger partnerships, and a culture of respect, delivering faster, fairer, and more compassionate care for all.

Winners: New starters project team (bottom three pictures) 

Transforming how new colleagues join our organisation, this inspiring cross-department partnership has streamlined processes, reduced delays, and created a smoother, kinder welcome for every new starter. Through ingenuity, teamwork, and determination, they turned confusion into clarity, ensuring every colleague begins their journey feeling supported, valued, and ready to thrive

Runners up:

British Transport joint response service (pictured top left) - Pennine Care, British Transport Police, Network Rail and Greater Manchester Mental Health

Combining expertise, compassion, and determination, the team provides support to people experiencing a mental health crisis anywhere on Greater Manchester’s rail network. Together they’ve supported over 300 highly vulnerable people. Their innovative, person-centred approach ensures people in crisis receive the right care in the right place, significantly reducing A&E visits, hospital admissions, and arrests.

Cloughside College (pictured top right)

This exceptional team supports young people to continue their education while in hospital. They create calm, bespoke learning experiences that promote confidence, recovery, and hope. From supporting GCSE exams to creative projects and individualised learning, Cloughside College bridges health and education, transforming lives through kindness, ingenuity, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential.

Winner: Dr Jon Ford (pictured left), resident doctor in general adult psychiatry, Stockport

What makes Jon stand out is his rare combination of quiet strength, compassion, and reliability. He doesn’t seek recognition; he simply gets things done with calm professionalism and genuine care. Whether stepping in at short notice, supporting colleagues, or reassuring patients, Jon consistently puts others first. His empathy, adaptability, and unwavering dedication make him truly exceptional.

Runners up:

Emma Cooper (pictured top right), physiotherapy assistant, Stockport learning disability service 

Emma has dedicated over 30 years to supporting people with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs, changing countless lives through her compassion and determination. She sees potential where others see limits, restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. Emma transforms care through kindness, empathy and patience.

Lisa Walmsley (pictured bottom right), deputy ward manager, Summers ward, Tameside 

Lisa is the heart of the ward; a compassionate, dedicated, and courageous nurse who leads with kindness and strength. Through every challenge, she goes above and beyond for patients, families, and colleagues, bringing calm, care, and integrity to all she does. Lisa’s compassion inspires everyone around her. She doesn’t just lead the team, she lifts it.

Winners: Cedars ward (pictured top left), Oldham 

Cedars Ward is more than a team, it’s a family built on compassion, resilience, and hope. They deliver exceptional dementia care, always treating patients with dignity, empathy, and respect. Through determination, creativity, and teamwork, they’ve transformed challenges into progress, improved care quality, and created a safe, nurturing environment where patients and staff thrive.

Runners up:

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale mental health support team (pictured bottom left)

This remarkable team has transformed the lives of over 42,000 young people and families across 49 schools. Guided by kindness, fairness, and determination, they break down barriers, reduce inequalities, and bring hope to children who need it most. Their compassionate, innovative approach combines early intervention, education, and collaboration; empowering young people to thrive

Community eating disorder team, north and south (pictured right)

These teams transform young people’s lives. They provide compassionate, family-centred care through home visits, meal support, and therapy. Last year, they received 459 referrals (23 per cent rise) and nearly everyone was seen within four weeks. Their dedication, ingenuity, and determination help restore health, rebuild hope, and keep families together. A truly life-changing service.

Greatful thanks to our generous sponsors who have helped us to put this evening on to celebrate our NHS colleagues. Read more about all the sponsors.