GMMH Stars Awards 2025
It was a wonderful evening at the GMMH Stars Awards 2025 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors on Friday 17 October 2025, with costs covered by our generous sponsors.
Many congratulations to our Stars of 2025, who you can read about below.
Clinical Team of the Year sponsored by Red Tree Building Contractors
Recognising a clinical team that has demonstrated exceptional care and compassion in patient care, significantly impacting patient outcomes.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Complex Emotional and Relational Needs (CERN) Pathway, Wigan
Keats Ward, Meadowbrook Unit, Salford
Non-Clinical Team of the Year sponsored by Kingsway Group
Celebrating a non-clinical team that has worked together to inspire hope and improve service delivery, showcasing teamwork and dedication.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Catering Team, Capital, Estates and Facilities
Health, Safety and Security Management Team, Capital, Estates and Facilities
Learner of the Year sponsored by DAC Beachcroft LLP
Celebrating 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.
Winner:
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!
Runners up:
Ann-Maria John, Mental Health Nurse, Later Life CMHT Central
Apprentice of the Year
Celebrating 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.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Donna Carter, Operational Manager, Perinatal Mental Health Team, South Manchester
India Holt, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice, Health & Justice Services
Outstanding Contribution to Patient Safety Award sponsored by BD Construction
Celebrating an individual or team that demonstrates an open and honest approach to improving patient safety, with tangible results.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Pauric Daly, Lead Pharmacist, Addiction Services
Vanessa Kelly, Health Care Support Worker, Sovereign Unit, Atherleigh Park
Outstanding Care (inpatient) Award sponsored by Kingsway Group
Recognising an individual or team that provides compassionate and respectful care to inpatients, highlighting their positive impact.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Christian Wrathall, Advanced Practitioner, Phoenix Ward, Junction 17
John Denmark Unit, Prestwich Inpatient Services
Outstanding Care (in the Community) Award sponsored by BD Construction
Celebrating an individual or team whose community care efforts inspire hope and make a significant difference in someone's life.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Annie Kemball, High Intensity Therapist, Talking Therapies, Manchester Central
Deborah Livesey, Senior Dual Diagnosis Practitioner, Homeless Hub
Inclusive Leader of the Year sponsored by Red Tree Building Contractors
Celebrating a leader who values and respects diversity within their team, positively impacting their team and championing inclusivity.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
EDI Leads and the Ethnically Diverse Support Team, Wigan
Loveness Ncube, Matron for Quality, Trafford, Manchester and City-Wide Network
Volunteer of the Year
Celebrating a volunteer who shows exceptional care and compassion in their work, resulting in positive outcomes.
Joint winners:
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.
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.
Runner up:
Gary McMurtrie, Volunteer, Honeysuckle Lodge
Support Staff Star Award sponsored by Hill Dickinson LLP
Recognising a support staff member in a non-clinical role who effectively collaborates with colleagues to improve patient care or services provided.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Senga McChesney, Health and Wellbeing Coach, Adult Forensic Services
Tracy Vjestica, Project Manager, IM&T Service Delivery
Improving Quality through Research & Innovation Award
Celebrating an individual or team that works together to drive research and innovation, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Cara Oates, Head of Operations, Trafford Management
Emma Wilson, Communications and Engagement Officer, Research and Innovation
Financial Sustainability Award
Sarah Crowder & Tanya Hurst This award acknowledges the contribution made by those working outside of the Finance Department to achieve effective and sustainable management of NHS finances.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Emma Deering, Head of Operations, Central Manchester
Medical Workforce Team
Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion sponsored by NHS Professionals
Recognising an individual or team who values and respects diverse perspectives, creating a more inclusive environment.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Daniel Monaghan, Ward Administrator, Bronte Ward, Laureate House
Kim Williams and Lindsey Gagan, Speech and Language Therapists, John Denmark Unit
Chair’s Award for Notable Contribution to the Delivery of Care
Recognising an individual or team that goes above and beyond to significantly enhance the quality of care provided to service users.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Maria Johnson, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Addiction Services, Bolton
Sean Lennon, Consultant, Later Life CMHT, South Manchester
Outstanding Partner Organisation Award
Celebrating a partner organisation (charity or supplier) that demonstrates exceptional collaboration and support to enhance patient care and services.
Winner:
The Docherty Project (Great Places Housing Group)
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.
Runners up:
Action Postpartum Psychosis
Homecare - Fairview
People’s Choice Award
Celebrating an individual or team that makes a positive impact on service users and carers’ experiences, demonstrating care and compassion in their interactions.
Winner:
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.
Runners up:
Eileen Doyle, Health Care Support Worker, Riverside Centre
Laura MacConnell, Senior Practitioner, Early Intervention Team, Trafford
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