Meet our shortlist ahead of The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors!
With The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors taking place this week, we’d like to shine a spotlight on the Stars shortlisted for this year's awards!
From the incredible 603 nominations submitted by GMMH staff, as well as our service users and their carers and families, we’re pleased to showcase each of the 48 teams and individuals who were shortlisted and highlight the excellent care, support and dedication that they have displayed this year.
The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 will culminate at a celebration event taking place on Friday 17 October 2025 at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, where all of our shortlisted nominees will be invited to a formal dinner and awards ceremony.
We are also pleased to share that the entire cost of the event is being covered by generous sponsorship from our partners, whose support is listed alongside each award category.
Please join us in celebrating all of our shortlisted nominees below:
Awards categories
New award for this year: People’s Choice Award
A volunteer who shows exceptional care and compassion in their work, resulting in positive outcomes.
Shortlist:
Eileen Doyle, Health Care Support Worker, Riverside Centre
Eileen has been described as a lifeline for carers, by offering unwavering support, honesty, and compassion to those she supports. She has been commended for her ability to listen to service users and their families and take action when needed. Her lived experience makes her uniquely empathetic, which is evident in her advocacy for carers and service users alike.
Laura MacConnell, Senior Practitioner, Early Intervention Team, Trafford
Laura has been recognised for her ability to build trust, validate experiences, and respond sensitively to crises. Her attentiveness to personal circumstances ensures people feel seen, safe, and supported. She advocates for her service users to receive the support they need, and is consistent and reliable through the most challenging times.
Tamzin Forster, Wellbeing Arts Tutor, Green Wellbeing
Tamzin’s thoughtful, trauma-informed approach helps people reconnect with nature, build confidence, and take control of their wellbeing. From adapting sessions to suit individual needs to offering gentle encouragement toward recovery, Tamzin’s impact is deeply personal and transformative. Her dedication, empathy, and expertise make her an outstanding tutor and a vital part of the Recovery Pathways programme.
Clinical Team of the Year sponsored by Red Tree Building Contractors
Recognises a clinical team that has demonstrated exceptional care and compassion in patient care, significantly impacting patient outcomes.
Shortlist:
Complex Emotional and Relational Needs (CERN) Pathway, Wigan
The CERN Pathway is a highly supportive team, with strong leadership, who are rooted in providing quality, compassionate care to individuals with complex emotional needs. Their collaborative approach ensures the team works closely with one another, and with their patients, as they provide support without judgement through a range of therapeutic interventions, which has a profound impact on care quality and inclusion.
Keats Ward, Meadowbrook Unit, Salford
Keats Ward has gained a reputation for high-quality care, backed up by their effective approach to patient flow, ensuring patients who are ready for discharge can get home as soon as possible. The team have embedded a Managing Difficult Emotions Pathway and Trauma-Informed Care training to enhance their support, while also implementing a dedicated Carer Quality Improvement Project to improve engagement between clinicians, patients and carers.
Spring Ward, North View, North Manchester Inpatient Services
The Spring Ward team is being recognised for their exceptional dedication in a fast-paced acute female ward. Despite the demands of their role, they consistently provide high-quality, person-centred care through meaningful activities, attentive listening, and providing a human connection to make a real difference in the lives of the women they support.
Non-Clinical Team of the Year sponsored by Kingsway Group
Celebrates a non-clinical team that has worked together to inspire hope and improve service delivery, showcasing teamwork and dedication.
Shortlist:
Catering Team, Capital, Estates and Facilities
With a strong commitment to innovation and quality, the GMMH Catering Team proudly deliver high-quality meal experiences tailored to the needs and preferences of service users. The team regularly displays their culinary skill and creativity while representing the Trust at the NHS Chef of the Year competition; while their dedication to quality improvement saw GMMH being named as the leading mental health trust for food in the latest Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE).
Digital Innovation Hub, IM&T
The Digital Innovation Hub has helped embed change across services at GMMH, enabling staff to submit, develop, and deliver digital ideas that improve care, efficiency, and experience for themselves, our services users and their carers. A standout achievement from the team was the development of a Therapeutic Observations application, designed to enhance patient safety and staff workflow, which was shortlisted for a HSJ Digital Award earlier this year.
Health, Safety and Security Management Team, Capital, Estates and Facilities
The Health, Safety and Security Management Team has driven major improvements in health and safety, on a wide range of projects supporting our recovery journey. The team has gone above and beyond ‘business as usual’ during this transition, demonstrating flexibility, enthusiasm and genuine care, to ensure that health and safety becomes more accessible and understandable across the Trust.
Learner of the Year sponsored by DAC Beachcroft LLP
A learner who shows commitment to learning and growth, while also demonstrating 
care and compassion in their interactions with service users, carers, and colleagues. This individual has been a learner within the past 12 months or is currently a student or trainee.
Shortlist:
Ann-Maria John, Mental Health Nurse, Later Life CMHT Central
Ann-Maria has brought not only her clinical expertise, but a spirit of growth, enthusiasm and curiosity to her role. From the moment she joined Central Manchester Later Life CMHT, she has been committed to expanding her knowledge of later life care in the community and is always seeking ways to improve her skills to meet the holistic needs of the clients under her care.
Keith Sutcliffe, Mental Health Nurse, Cavendish Ward, Laureate House, South Manchester
Throughout Keith’s training, he has excelled in his role and is always happy to take on new challenges. Keith took the initiative to lead on a Quality Improvement project, which has resulted in a new evidence-based tool being implemented across the Trust. His passion and positivity are clear to see when caring for patients, as is his supportive nature to his team members. Not to mention, he makes the best cup of tea!
Apprentice of the Year
An apprentice who shows dedication to learning and growth, alongside care and compassion in their interactions with service users, carers, and colleagues. This individual has completed an apprenticeship within the past 12 months or is currently an apprentice.
Shortlist:
Donna Carter, Operational Manager, Perinatal Mental Health Team, South Manchester
Donna’s commitment to excellence, compassion, and continuous learning has made a profound impact on both the Perinatal Mental Health Team in South Manchester and the lives of the families she supports. Her ability to integrate learning into practice has led to tangible improvements in patient care, operational efficiency, and staff development. Donna exemplifies what it means to be an apprentice committed to making a difference.
Florence Aku, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Tobacco Dependency Team
Florence has shown outstanding leadership during her time at GMMH, helping over 100 service users and staff stop smoking, guiding her team through impactful campaigns and supporting the Trust’s smoke free agenda. While on her apprenticeship journey, she has made a huge difference to the physical health of our service users and is a great advocate for all
India Holt, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice, Health & Justice Services
India has shown on various occasions throughout her training what a valuable member of the team she is. Her knowledge and experience of dealing with men suffering with enduring mental health issues have proved time and again to be essential when speaking and caring for service users, while respecting their individuality, and advocating for service users’ needs.
Outstanding Contribution to Patient Safety Award sponsored by BD Construction
An individual or team that demonstrates an open and honest approach to improving patient safety, with tangible results.
Shortlist:
Mary Abberton, Quality Matron, Chapman Barker Unit
Mary’s leadership in implementing the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) has transformed the landscape of patient safety in both the Chapman Barker Unit and John Denmark Unit. Mary supports and empowers teams to respond to, manage, and learn from incidents and complaints with confidence and compassion, while ensuring that safety initiatives are both accessible and effective for all.
Pauric Daly, Lead Pharmacist, Addiction Services
Pauric has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to patient safety through an open, honest, and collaborative approach. His approach to policy reform, training and leadership have resulted in tangible improvements, including strengthening
staff understanding of medicine management, a notable decrease in drug related incidents, and a team culture that embraces continuous improvement.
Vanessa Kelly, Health Care Support Worker, Sovereign Unit, Atherleigh Park
Vanessa excels in supporting patients through compassionate, non-judgemental care. Her commitment to reducing stigma includes offering harm reduction and safer usage advice to patients with co-occurring needs, with a trauma-informed approach at the forefront of all her work. Her Reducing Restrictive Practice project won ‘most innovative’ quality improvement plan and has led to demonstrable service improvement.
Outstanding Care (inpatient) Award sponsored by Kingsway Group
Recognises an individual or team that provides compassionate and respectful care to inpatients, highlighting their positive impact.
Shortlist:
Carl Robinson, Health Care Assistant, Older Adult Services, Salford
Carl regularly goes above and beyond for his patients, whether organising activities, events or even dressing up at Christmas. He creates a safe environment where patients feel valued by acknowledging their unique experiences without judgement. Having spent over 15 years at Holly Ward, he has become a vital member of the team, where his colleagues have praised his commitment and inclusive approach.
Christian Wrathall, Advanced Practitioner, Phoenix Ward, Junction 17
Chrisitan approaches every interaction with genuine compassion and empathy, taking the time to truly listen to patients and their families, ensuring they are not just heard but understood. Whether he is conducting a complex assessment or simply checking in on someone’s wellbeing, patients consistently describe feeling safe, heard and cared for under Christian’s care.
John Denmark Unit, Prestwich Inpatient Services
At the heart of the John Denmark Unit’s approach is a commitment to person-centred care, tailored to the unique experiences of deaf patients. The team fosters an environment where every individual feels valued and respected. This is achieved through a culture of kindness, where both deaf and hearing staff collaborate seamlessly to deliver outstanding care. Their work has far-reaching impact, both within the unit and the wider deaf community.
Outstanding Care (in the Community) Award sponsored by BD Construction
Celebrates an individual or team whose community care efforts inspire hope and make a significant difference in someone's life.
Shortlist:
Annie Kemball, High Intensity Therapist, Talking Therapies, Manchester Central
Annie consistently goes above and beyond for her clients and the service, resulting in excellent rates of recovery for her service users. There isn’t much about CBT that Annie doesn’t know, which she is happy to pass on to trainees to help them deliver high quality care. Annie is eager to share ideas on how we can continue to improve, while ensuring everyone receives effective and compassionate care.
Charlotte Dowling, Senior Practitioner, Bolton North Functional CMHT
Charlotte displays exceptional professionalism, compassion, and commitment to both her team and the individuals in her service. She is a natural leader who fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, while her clinical expertise and calm presence have been instrumental in ensuring the best outcomes for those in our care. Her dedication has seen her support multiple teams through challenges, always with a smile on her face.
Deborah Livesey, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Addictions Services
Deborah routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty for her patients, using her passion to ensure they receive the highest quality care. As a fierce advocate for her patients’ wellbeing, she ensures that they are treated with dignity and respect.
She is a caring, inclusive and compassionate person and is a credit to the Trust, the nursing profession and her team.
Inclusive Leader of the Year sponsored by Red Tree Building Contractors
A leader who values and respects diversity within their team, positively impacting their team and championing inclusivity.
Shortlist:
EDI Leads and the Ethnically Diverse Support Team, Wigan
Through events, wellbeing initiatives and open forums, the EDI team in Wigan have created a culture of safety, allyship, and support. Their work has led to systemic improvements, including stronger leadership accountability and collaborative action against racism. Through their work, the team has improved staff wellbeing, care quality, and built a more cohesive, respectful workplace where every voice is valued.
Loveness Ncube, Matron for Quality, Trafford, Manchester and City-Wide Network
Loveness is a steadfast advocate for equality across the workforce. Loveness has worked collaboratively with colleagues to champion the REACH project - a Trust-wide community of practice that supports staff who have been affected by racial abuse - which has made significant strides in improving the culture within mental health services. Loveness is also a driving force in making inpatient services more culturally sensitive and responsive to the diverse communities we serve in Manchester.
Tony Ellis, Team Manager, Later Life Community Mental Health Team Central
Tony is a compassionate and inclusive leader who champions diversity, equity, and belonging within his team. He creates a supportive environment where every staff member feels empowered to contribute. He leads by example, advocating for both
staff and service users, and promotes open dialogue and shared decision-making to simultaneously make people’s working lives better and improve the quality of care our patients receive.
Volunteer of the Year
A volunteer who shows exceptional care and compassion in their work, resulting in positive outcomes.
Shortlist:
Alistair Papworth, Volunteer, Salford Addictions
Alistair’s dedication to recovery, wellbeing and development make him a real asset across multiple services. In his role, he co-facilitates groups, workshops, and community events to champion how people can access treatment, embed recovery and aid wellbeing. His genuine care, excellent interpersonal skills and advocacy have positively impacted both service users and staff alike.
Gary McMurtrie, Volunteer, Honeysuckle Lodge
Gary is a dedicated Peer Mentor Volunteer, whose recovery-focused approach has made him invaluable to the team at Honeysuckle Lodge. Gary’s passion is clear to see throughout his work supporting service users, co-facilitating therapeutic groups and joining community trips. His warmth and positivity on the ward have enabled him to build strong relationships with both service users and staff at Honeysuckle Lodge.
Matthew Pollitt, Volunteer, Health and Justice Services
Matthew is an exceptional Volunteer whose dedication and lived experience have made a lasting impact on our Health and Justice service. Matthew’s commitment and insight have helped shape a more inclusive and responsive service, while his
generosity, with both his time and his knowledge of local services, have provided impactful support to our service users.
Support Staff Star Award sponsored by Hill Dickinson LLP
Recognises a support staff member in a non-clinical role who effectively collaborates with colleagues to improve patient care or services provided.
Shortlist:
Paul Barker, Health Care Assistant, Early Interventions, Central Manchester
Paul has been a support worker within the Trust for many years, and his dedication has been highlighted repeatedly by his team. His recovery-focused approach has made a profound impact on multiple service users’ lives as he builds trusting relationships that enable meaningful change, and supports individuals through complex challenges with compassion and professionalism.
Senga McChesney, Health and Wellbeing Coach, Adult Forensic Services
Senga has played an integral role in supporting patient and carer experiences in Adult Forensic Services by improving the health and wellbeing of our staff. From providing colleagues a space for a coffee and a chat, to facilitating numerous wellbeing groups, Senga is highly innovative in her support offering, works collaboratively with other teams and is attentive to the needs of the colleagues within her team.
Tracy Vjestica, Project Manager, IM&T Service Delivery
Tracy has successfully delivered numerous projects, each contributing to the digital transformation of North View into a vibrant, functional, and inclusive space. Tracy is a beacon of positivity and a proud representative of the IM&T team, while consistently supporting colleagues across departments, enabling collaboration and a sense of community.
Improving Quality through Research & Innovation Award
Celebrates an individual or team that works together to drive research and innovation, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
Shortlist:
Cara Oates, Head of Operations, Trafford Management
Cara has led the development of the Purposeful Admission initiative, improving the quality and clarity of inpatient admissions across our services. By embedding clear clinical rationale, recovery-focused goals, and discharge planning from day one, Cara’s work has enhanced patient engagement, reduced unnecessary admissions, and improved system flow, delivering lasting impact across services.
Emma Wilson, Communications and Engagement Officer, Research and Innovation
Emma has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of Research and Innovation (R&I) at GMMH, working with service user advisors and colleagues across services to ensure the department’s content is attractive, engaging, and easy to understand. Her work has created a ‘new front door’ to Research and Innovation for service users, carers, clinicians, and academics and driven increased participation.
Luke Jordan, Applied Psychologist, The Therapy Hub
Through Luke’s innovation, the Therapy Hub has adopted new therapeutic models tailored to older people’s needs, including Structured Clinical Management for Complex Emotional Relational Needs. His work has gained national and international recognition, with presentations given across the UK and in Chicago, while his impact continues to shape services and inspire professionals across the Trust and beyond.
Financial Sustainability Award
This award acknowledges the contribution made by those working outside of the Finance Department to achieve effective and sustainable management of NHS finances.
Shortlist:
Emma Deering, Head of Operations, Central Manchester
Emma led the Adding Value Programme for Manchester Care Group, where her dedication and tenacity have enabled her to implement a more sustainable financial model across the region. Emma is highly supportive of teams within the
care group that have identified sustainability opportunities and has brought in innovative changes to deliver cost savings and meet financial targets.
Medical Workforce Team
The Medical Workforce team has led a series of impactful initiatives to improve medical staffing across the Trust. Their work includes rota redesign, consultant on-call reviews, and reductions in agency spend, resulting in delivering over £800,000 in annual savings. Through their tireless, responsive, and supportive approach, the team have transformed medical workforce planning and made a lasting difference.
Sarah Crowder and Tanya Hurst, Salford Admin and Performance Team Management
Sarah and Tanya have led a successful initiative to improve stock management across their office and ward base. By centralising stock, streamlining processes, and collaborating with colleagues in procurement, they’ve reduced waste and improved efficiency. Their approach empowered teams from the outset, helping staff understand the value of better stock management, resulting in a measurable impact on resources.
Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion sponsored by NHS Professionals
An individual or team who values and respects diverse perspectives, creating a more inclusive environment.
Shortlist:
Daniel Monaghan, Ward Administrator, Bronte Ward, Laureate House
By establishing the Neurodiversity Staff Forum, Daniel has created a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent colleagues across GMMH. Through regular meetings and open dialogue, the forum enables staff to share experiences, access
advice, and advocate for reasonable adjustments. His outreach across departments ensures neurodivergent voices are heard and understood and all staff feel valued.
Kim Williams and Lindsey Gagan, Speech and Language Therapists, John Denmark Unit
Kim and Lindsey have dedicated over two decades to advancing deaf mental health
care. Their expertise has shaped practice across the field, most recently through their contribution to the book ‘Communication Interventions with Deaf People’. They continue to support others in developing knowledge and confidence when working with deaf adults, making a lasting impact through education, advocacy, and clinical excellence.
Lauren Roberts, Modern Matron, Salford Management Services
Lauren has been instrumental in driving anti-racism work across GMMH. Through staff collaboration, surveys, and active listening, she identified under-reporting of racial abuse and led a new initiative to address this. This initiative saw repeat incidents significantly reduce, and staff support strengthen. Lauren continues to empower teams across the Trust to create change, demonstrating unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion.
Chair’s Award for Notable Contribution to the Delivery of Care
Celebrates an individual or team that goes above and beyond to significantly enhance the quality of care provided to service users.
Shortlist:
Manchester Dual Diagnosis Liaison Services
The Manchester Dual Diagnosis Liaison Service has made an outstanding contribution to the delivery of care across both inpatient and community mental health settings. This small but highly skilled team works collaboratively with teams
and partners to ensure that people with a dual diagnosis receive holistic, person-centred care. Their approach consistently balances clinical rigour with compassion, ensuring that no one is excluded from services due to the complexity of their needs.
Maria Johnson, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Addiction Services, Bolton
Maria is a compassionate and innovative Lead Nurse who works tirelessly to support rough sleepers into substance misuse treatment. Maria has pioneered a liver screening pathway using fibroscanning, connecting vulnerable patients
to specialist care. Her work has led to two research papers and improved health outcomes for those at risk of liver disease. Maria’s dedication, creativity, and advocacy make her an invaluable asset to the Bolton team and the wider Trust.
Sean Lennon, Consultant, Later Life CMHT, South Manchester
Sean is a deeply respected figure in old age psychiatry, with over 40 years of service to the Trust. Known for his mentorship, he makes himself freely available to colleagues as a source of clinical knowledge. Throughout his work, Sean has cultivated an atmosphere of trust, frankness and good humour and is regarded with incredible fondness and respect by all his colleagues.
Outstanding Partner Organisation Award
Celebrates a partner organisation (charity or supplier) that demonstrates exceptional collaboration and support to enhance patient care and services.
Shortlist:
Action Postpartum Psychosis
Action on Postpartum Psychosis has played a transformative role in enhancing care and support at Andersen Ward, Mother and Baby Unit. They have helped shape services that are responsive, compassionate, and informed by lived experience,
while their peer support network has provided vital emotional and practical support to mothers at Andersen Ward. Their continued partnership ensures that services remain innovative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in the voices of those they serve.
Homecare - Fairview
The Homecare Team has shown outstanding dedication in supporting patients who are prescribed clozapine, working closely with the pharmacy team, CMHTs and consultants to ensure safe, consistent care. They follow up missed deliveries,
coordinate with care teams, and respond swiftly to prescription or blood level discrepancies. They go the extra mile to maintain continuity and avoid confusion, always prioritising patient wellbeing with professionalism and compassion
The Docherty Project (GREAT Places Housing)
Rooted in inclusivity, The Docherty Project welcome individuals offering stability, dignity, and personalised care, where service users have faced exclusion in the past. Their dedicated team works closely with GMMH services, when there are concerns about how best to support a service user. Residents describe the service as life-changing - empowering them to rebuild their lives with trust, safety and hope.
