Shortlisting announcement! The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors
We are thrilled to announce our shortlist for The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors!
Earlier this year, we invited GMMH staff, our service users and their carers and families to nominate the teams and individuals that represent the best of what we do at GMMH. They responded in their droves, with 603 nominations submitted across the sixteen categories up for grabs.
Each nomination helped to shine a light on the excellent work taking place across our Trust footprint, making the judging panel’s job incredibly tough to narrow the high calibre of entries down to today’s shortlist.
The GMMH Stars Awards 2025 will culminate at a celebration event taking place at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, where all of our shortlisted nominees will be invited to a formal dinner and awards ceremony this October.
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
1. New award for this year: People’s Choice Award
Shortlist:
Eileen Doyle, Health Care Support Worker, Riverside Centre
Laura MacConnell, Nurse Manager, Early Intervention Team, Trafford
Tamzin Forster, Wellbeing Arts Tutor, Green Wellbeing
2. 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:
CERN Pathway, Wigan
Keats Ward, Meadowbrook Unit, Salford
Spring Ward, North View, North Manchester Inpatient Services
3. 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
Digital Innovation Hub, IM&T
Health, Safety and Security Management Team, Capital, Estates and Facilities
4. 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
Keith Sutcliffe, Trainee Nursing Associate, Cavendish Ward, Laureate House, South Manchester
Rebecca Brejwo, Student, Mother and Baby Services, South Manchester
5. 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
Florence Aku, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Tobacco Dependency Team
India Holt, Registered Nurse Degree Apprentice, Health & Justice Services
6. 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
Pauric Daly, Lead Pharmacist, Substance Misuse Services
Vanessa Kelly, Health Care Support Worker, Sovereign Unit, Atherleigh Park
7. 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
Christian Wrathall, Advanced Practitioner, Phoenix Ward, Junction 17
John Denmark Unit, Prestwich Inpatient Services
8. 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
Charlotte Dowling, Senior Practitioner, Bolton North Functional CMHT
Deborah Livesey, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Addictions Services
9. 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
Loveness Ncube, Matron for Quality, Trafford, Manchester and City-Wide Network
Tony Ellis, Team Manager, Later Life Community Mental Health Team Central
10. 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
Gary McMurtrie, Volunteer, Honeysuckle Lodge
Matthew Pollitt, Volunteer, Salford, Trafford and IAPT
11. 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
Senga McChesney, Health and Wellbeing Coach, Adult Forensic Services
Tracy Vjestica, Project Manager, IM&T Service Delivery
12. 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
Emma Wilson, Communications and Engagement Officer, Research and Innovation
Luke Jordan, Applied Psychologist, The Therapy Hub
13. 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
Medical Workforce Team
Sarah Crowder and Tanya Hurst, Salford Admin and Performance Team Management
14. 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
Kim Williams and Lindsey Gagan, Speech and Language Therapists, John Denmark Unit
Lauren Roberts, Modern Matron, Salford Management Services
15. Chair’s Award for Notable Contribution to the Delivery of Care
Recognises 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
Maria Johnson, Specialist Nurse Practitioner, Addiction Services, Bolton
Sean Lennon, Consultant, Later Life CMHT, South Manchester
16. 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
Homecare - Fairview
The Docherty Project (GREAT Places Housing)
