From over 200 nominations, our independent judging panel, including Paul Jenkins, Chief Executive of Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, and Louise Doughty, Mental Health Programme of Care Lead for NHS England (Wessex Area Team), had the unenviable task of whittling these down to just 36 finalists across six categories.
The deserving winners were as follows:
- Community, Social or Vocational Initiative: Personality Disorder Awareness Training Course – developed and delivered by service users, Millfields Unit, John Howard Centre, East London NHS Foundation Trust
- Service, Policy or Environmental Improvement: Chair your own CPA meeting – development of an educational workshop, The Spinney, Partnerships in Care
- Innovations in My Shared Pathway and Recovery: M.A.A.P. (My Awareness & Action Plan), Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke
- Family, friends and carer involvement initiatives: Carers’ Pack, Cygnet Lodge Brighouse
- ‘Breaking Down Barriers’ – tackling stigma: Improving primary care response to minor injury caused by self-harm – a service user led initiative, Pelham Woods, Partnerships in Care
- Outstanding Service User Achievement Award: My Shared Pathway additions and adaptations in an ageing population, Kemple View, Partnerships in Care
Each finalist was given the chance to present their project and talk about the impact it has had on them and their services. Thank you to all who took part in this – we heard some really moving, funny, inspiring and motivational stories throughout the day.
As well as being a key member of the judging panel, Ian Callaghan was completely surprised on the day to be presented with an award “In recognition of Outstanding Services to User Involvement”. Mick Burns from NHS England presented Ian with his award, and read out some words from just some of the many services that have wanted to say thank you for his tireless contributions.
We would like to extend our thanks to all of the judging panel for all their time and dedication.
The awards were interspersed with musical performances from service users. We were treated to a range of musical styles including classical, pop and rap; some self–penned pieces were complemented by beautiful renditions of more well-known ones.
We were also delighted to welcome Anna Geyer from New Possibilities who created some fantastic graphic design pieces to represent each nomination category and the key themes raised by each nominee. These pieces are a brilliant representation of the fantastic achievements we heard about on the day.
Once again the Awards were a truly uplifting and inspiring event and Cygnet Health Care are delighted to confirm that they will be hosting once again in 2015! We look forward to welcoming you all back for what promises to be another wonderful occasion and what we hope will become a firm fixture on the calendar for mental health providers.