The GMMH Stars Awards 2026 shortlist revealed!
We are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees for The GMMH Stars Awards 2026 in association with Red Tree Building Contractors.
Earlier this year, we invited you to nominate the individuals and teams who represent the very best of GMMH. The response was incredible, with a record-breaking 720 nominations submitted across our 16 award categories, including more than 130 nominations for the People's Choice Award, which is specifically open to the service users, carers and their families that receive care at GMMH.
Every nomination highlighted the outstanding dedication, innovation and compassion demonstrated by our colleagues, volunteers and the partner organisations we work with, making the judging panel’s job incredibly tough to narrow nominees down to today’s shortlist.
We are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our shortlisted nominees at this year's Stars Awards celebration, which will take place in October.
Special thanks go to our generous sponsors, whose support has enabled us to fully fund this year's event. Their contributions are recognised alongside each award category.
Over the coming weeks, we'll also be unveiling three additional awards categories, including ‘Resident Doctor of the Year’ with the winners to be announced on the night of the awards.
Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted and thank you for the invaluable contribution you make every day.
Please join us in celebrating this year's nominees below:
Award Categories
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.
- Children & Young People – Crisis Team
- HMP Risley – Integrated Mental Health Team
- Spring Ward, North View
Non-Clinical Team of the Year sponsored by Red Tree Building Contractors
Celebrates a non-clinical team that has worked together to inspire hope and improve service delivery, showcasing teamwork and dedication.
- Salford Older Adults Community Mental Health - Admin Team
- Service User & Carer Engagement Team
- Workforce Systems Team
Learner of the Year
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.
- Ashleigh Grindey, Advanced Practitioner, Keats Ward, Meadowbrook Unit
- Francesca Cottam, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Wigan Community CAMHS
- Thomas Dinoff, Clinical Psychologist, Specialist Community Forensic Team
Apprentice of the Year sponsored by Hill Dickinson
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.
- Craig Hunt, Senior Peer Support Worker, Community Health & Justice
- Kenneth Moth, Chef, Capital, Estates & Facilities
- Leanne Monaghan, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Riverside Centre
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.
- Dannie Farrar, Medication Safety Officer, Pharmacy
- Marc Donnellan, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, A&E Liaison, North View
- Victor Msimanga, Ward Manager, Acorn Ward, North View
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.
- Prospect Ward, Atherleigh Park
- Robert Parkes, Clinical Psychologist, North View
- Ruth Walters, Ward Manager, Cavendish Ward, Laureate House
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.
- Kieran Jones, Senior Peer Support Worker, Wigan Neighbourhood Mental Health Service
- Richard Drysdale, Mental Health Practitioner, John Denmark Unit
- Zuber Patel, Health Care Support Worker, Bolton Community Mental Health Team
Inclusive Leader of the Year
A leader who values and respects diversity within their team, positively impacting their team and championing inclusivity.
- Loveness Ncube, Quality Matron, Trust-wide Urgent Care
- Rebecca Yate-Dutton, Operational Manager, HMP Risley
- Zoe Dent, Head of Operations - Eating Disorder, Perinatal and Specialist Psychology Services
Volunteer of the Year
A volunteer who shows exceptional care and compassion in their work, resulting in positive outcomes.
- Kim Hale, Activities Assistant Volunteer, Achieve
- Steve Ballingall, Volunteer, Meadowbrook Unit
- Stephen Biggins, Volunteer, Chapman Barker Unit
Support Staff Star Award sponsored by DXC Technology
Recognises a support staff member in a non-clinical role who effectively collaborates
with colleagues to improve patient care or services provided.
- Carol Ann McCoy, Catering Supervisor, Capital, Estates & Facilities
- Deborah Astley, Team Administrator, Manchester Homeless Services
- Simon Ridley, Developer, Digital & Data Services
Improving Quality through Research & Innovation Award sponsored by Kingsway Group
Celebrates an individual or team that works together to drive research and innovation, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
- Bolton Electroconvulsive Therapy Clinic
- Melissa Lee, Ward Manager, Hayeswater Ward, Riverside Centre
- Steve Lankshear, Lead Clinical Studies Officer, Research & Innovation
Financial Sustainability Award
This award recognises individuals and teams who are finding innovative ways to maximise value and deliver greater impact while supporting excellent patient care.
- Acute Care Group – Medical Leadership Team
- Debbie Robinson, Associate Director of Operations, Emergency & Urgent Care
- E-Rostering & Temporary Staffing Team
Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion sponsored by DAC Beachcroft
An individual or team who values and respects diverse perspectives, creating a more inclusive environment.
- Amanda Kane, Operational Manager, Wigan Community CAMHS
- Angela Assor, Operational Manager, CAMHS
- Sam Appiah-Anane, Deputy Director of Pharmacy
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.
- Chrissy Ireland, Social Worker, Specialist Perinatal Service
- Greater Manchester Inclusion Health Homeless Team
- Matthew Greatorex, Team Manager, Salford Referral and Assessment Hub
Outstanding Partner Organisation Award
Celebrates a partner organisation (charity or supplier) that demonstrates exceptional collaboration and support to enhance patient care and services.
- Great Places – The Docherty Project
- MASH – Manchester Action on Street Health
- Salford CVS – Wellbeing Matters
People’s Choice Award
An individual or team that makes a positive impact on service users and carers’ experiences, demonstrating care and compassion in their interactions.
- Greenway Ward & Bollin Ward, Moorside Unit
- Susan Murphy, Mental Health Nurse, HMP Hindley
- The Recovery Academy Team
