Hosted by Cygnet, the annual awards recognise people accessing, or who have previously accessed, inpatient mental health, learning disability, autism and residential care services across the UK. Since launching in 2013, the event has provided a national platform for stories of courage, resilience and determination, celebrating progress in all its forms.
This year’s fairground-themed ceremony placed people with lived experience centre stage. Guests enjoyed live performances throughout the day, alongside the vintage rides, arcade games and attractions of Statfold Country Park’s National Fairground Museum.
2026 Award Winners
Hope and Positivity Award
Winner: Gracie Howard for her Distress Management Booklet
Organisation: South West Provider Collaborative
Gracie transformed her personal recovery from a severe eating disorder and isolation into systemic change. As an Expert by Experience, she created a peer-to-peer Distress Management Booklet. Now utilised across South West Tier 4 inpatient units, her authentic resource provides practical emotional tools, bridging the gap between clinical care and vulnerable young people.
Social Care Star Award
Winner: Blake, Simone, Dan, Kyle and Sarah’s ‘Positive Change Through Lived Experience Partnership’ Group
Organisation: Priory Group
Blake, Simone, Dan, Kyle and Sarah co-produced a ground-breaking Lived Experience Partner Framework, creating accessible pathways and paid regional roles for residents with complex needs. The pioneering five-member group developed crucial quality assurance resources and recruitment tools, transforming how the organisation approaches quality improvement and giving residents a vital voice in shaping services.
Community and Collaboration Award
Winner: Anne Marie & Barry’s STOMP Project
Organisation: Skills for People and Tees, Esk & Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Anne Marie and Barry co-created accessible resources, starred in a campaign video, and successfully integrated STOMP training into a university pharmacist curriculum, empowering future clinicians to deliver safer, patient-centred care.
Celebrating Diversity Award
Winner: Roots & Reality Group Project
Organisation: Priory Hospital Solihull, Priory Group
Service users collaborated with the OT and Psychology teams to deliver “Roots & Reality,” a six-week cultural-sharing group. Embedded in the hospital’s Lived Experience Partnership ethos, participants shared their cultural and religious heritages alongside traditional delicacies, boosting their confidence and fostering connection within the rehabilitation environment.
Individual Progress Award
Winner: Charlie
Organisation: Arnold Lodge – Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Charlie has made outstanding progress during his time at his service, working closely with psychology and overcoming long-standing challenges. He has successfully moved toward a lower-security setting and reclaimed personal independence. Charlie now actively participates in art and gardening as he looks forward to the future.
Outstanding Leadership Award
Winner: Andrew (Lead Patient Partner Role)
Organisation: Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Former forensic service user Andy has transformed into an inspirational Lead Patient Partner and Governor. He passionately advocates for peers, mentors his team, and combats patient isolation. By channelling unfiltered ward feedback directly to the Executive Board and driving lived-experience employment projects, Andy ensures the patient voice is always heard.
Mark Britton People’s Choice Award
Winner: Akinsola
Organisation: Cygnet Bury Hudson, Cygnet Group
Akin has made incredible personal progress by using the power of music to channel his energy positively. Alongside engaging deeply with his therapy, he has actively driven service developments, including improving the gym and social hub. Akin also continues to support his peers through music workshops, community meetings and events.
The 2026 awards were made possible with the support of the following sponsors:
- Cielo Costa
- My Purchasing Partner
- Central Computers
- Social Optic
- Lived Experience Network (LENs)
- Britton Price Limited
Thank you to all our finalists, nominees, presenters, performers, and our generous sponsors who made this event a success.
Interested in being a part of future events?
If you have any ideas for the next awards or want to get your service involved, please contact [email protected].