2026 Shortlist
Every single entry was inspiring and mattered. Here are the ones who've made it through to the final.
Inspiring Individual of the Year
For someone with lived experience who is using their voice to reduce stigma and support others.
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Reiki Master Teacher & Holistic Wellbeing Facilitator
Founder of the ReSTORE programme for refugee healthcare professionals
Founder of Women's Whispers CIC, supporting vulnerable women and families
Founder of LightsOnXP, supporting 100,000 young people across over 190 schools in the UK.
Survivor of mental health issues, including addiction, using her personal experience to support others.
Founder of Getting Clean and LERO Leeds
Suicide Intervener of the Year
For an individual who helped provide someone with the hope they needed to keep them here today.
Piano/choir teacher, supported a student through crisis
Rugby coach who supported players through crisis
Founder of The Jade L Roberts Project
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Manager of The Jade Roberts Project, ASIST trainer with 500+ interventions
Creative Impact Award
Championing individuals/groups in music, the arts, media, or influencing who have used their creative talents to make a positive impact.
Runs a monthly community art group in Garforth
Founder of Music Box CIC, using music for community confidence-building
Founder of The Swan Song Project, writing songs with terminally ill and bereaved people
Piano/choir teacher, supported a student through crisis
Community Impact Award
For a grassroots group, charity, or community initiative making a measurable difference locally.
Founder of Women's Whispers CIC
Blossom Training and Development CIC, tackling violence against women and girls
Founder of Shine Bright CIC, delivering WRAP wellbeing programmes for young people
Founder of Getting Clean and LERO Leeds
Founder of Focus4Hope, supporting people facing poverty and hardship
Founder of Babes of the Most High Global CIC, empowering women
Innovative Mental Health Programme or Campaign Award
For a grassroots group, charity, or community initiative making a measurable difference locally.
Co-founders of The Biskery, creators of the International Men's Day mental health "biscuit" campaign with HelloHope
Founder of Cavalier Health Ltd, workplace mental health prevention services
Founder of Myndtime wearable wellbeing tool and host of the Invisible Me podcast
Founder of The Henry Grierson ADHD & Mental Health Foundation, supporting young men's mental health
Creator of the SHELLS Framework™, a preventative wellbeing programme for children
Cycling 1,600 miles for SoBS in memory of his brother Jamie
Workplace Excellence Award
For an organisation or leader promoting mental health and/or suicide prevention in the workplace.
Head of HealthTech and Life Sciences at Barclays, workplace wellbeing advocate
Head of Wellbeing at Oakland Everything Data, leading workplace wellbeing initiatives
Health inclusion nurse supporting refugee healthcare professionals
Senior Key Worker and Mental Health First Aider at Together Women
Education & Youth Support Award
For schools, universities, youth organisations, or individuals supporting young people’s mental health.
Creator of the SHELLS Framework™, a preventative wellbeing programme for children
Founder of Tom's Talks, delivering youth mental health workshops nationwide
Founder of LightsOnXP, delivering mental health talks in schools, supporting 100,000 young people over 190 schools in the UK.
Volunteer youth leaders with YOUNGBUDS Girls Groups at Blossom Training and Development CIC
Runs Team Daniel, a youth club and GCSE revision support group in memory of her son
Founder of Balance:ed, supporting school leaders' wellbeing through professional supervision and leadership development
Children's counsellor offering creative and walk-and-talk therapy
Wellbeing Superstars
For individuals or teams who go above and beyond to champion everyday wellbeing and create positive, supportive environments before crisis point.
Founder of Sage Ayurvedic, offering accessible yoga, massage and meditation
Hosts of White Fox Talking mental health podcast
Wellbeing coach at Hypnotherapy Lounge Leeds, delivering workplace wellbeing sessions
Runs Breaking the Silence campaign and Unmuted wellbeing programme for women
Businesswoman and community connector championing neurodiversity and wellbeing
Creator of the SHELLS Framework™, a preventative wellbeing programme for children
Unsung Hero Award
The person quietly making things happen behind meaningful campaigns and organisations.
Founder of The Jade L Roberts Project
Mental health advocate supporting diaspora communities in primary care
Founder of Living Potential Care Farming CIC
Former Company Secretary/Trustee of Andy's Man Club, HelloHope volunteer
Founder of the James Burke Foundation, CEO of Leeds Involving People
Operations Manager at Phoenix Health and Wellbeing
What judges say
The voices that matter
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Questions
Everything you need to know about the shortlist and what comes next.
Our panel of judges reviewed every nomination against strict criteria. They looked for impact, authenticity, and evidence of real change in communities. The process took months and required consensus among multiple judges.
Winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony in 2026. The date and location details are available on the Attend page. Only those present will know the results before the official announcement.
The shortlist represents the judges' final assessment. We do not accept appeals or reconsiderations once the shortlist is published. However, nominees are welcome to submit again in future years.
The shortlist includes the strongest candidates across all categories. The exact number varies by category based on the quality of nominations received. Each person here has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their work.
Winners receive recognition, support, and opportunities to amplify their work. All shortlisted nominees gain visibility and access to our community of changemakers. The impact extends far beyond the awards night itself.
The judges applied rigorous standards to every submission. They examined the scope of impact, the authenticity of the work, and measurable outcomes in real communities. Only those who met all criteria advanced to this shortlist.
Our prestigious judges' panel are: Greg Wright (Journalist and Deputy Business Editor at The Yorkshire Post), Steve Phillip (Founder and Director of The Jordan Legacy CIC), Sharon Watson MBE, DL (Chief Executive and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance), and Miranda Arieh (Founder of NHS' Healing, Education and Recovery of Emotional Strength programme)
Shortlisted nominees have demonstrated sustained commitment to their communities. They show measurable results, not just intentions. The work must be rooted in real relationships and genuine need.
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