Hope Awards 2026
Our 2026 winners
Celebrating those who give hope
On 8 October we came together at New Craven Hall, Leeds, to celebrate the people and groups who turn care into change. Here are this year's winners and highly commended.
The winners
Recognising extraordinary hope
One winner in each of our nine categories, plus a Special Recognition award.
LC
Innovative Mental Health Programme or Campaign Award
Lizzie Crofts
Founder of Cavalier Health Ltd
SM
Education & Youth Support Award
Shaheen Myers
Balance:ed
LD
Workplace Excellence Award
Loretaa Duberry
Together Women Leeds
BS
Creative Impact Award
Ben “Buddy” Slack
The Swan Song Project
M&S
Wellbeing Superstars
Mark “Charlie” Valentine & Sebastian Budniak
White Fox Talking
SB
Unsung Hero Award
Sharon Burke
Founder of the James Burke Foundation, CEO of Leeds Involving People
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JR
Suicide Intervener of the Year
Jack Roberts
The Jade L Roberts Project
BI
Inspiring Individual of the Year
Blerta Ilazi
Founder of the ReSTORE programme, NHS South Yorkshire for refugee healthcare professionals
CS
Community Impact Award
Chris Sylvester
Getting Clean
MS
Megan Suckling
Special Recognition in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Also recognised
Highly commended
Recognised by our judges for outstanding work in their category.
MR
Creative Impact Award
Melody Reed
Founder of Music Box CIC
TB
Unsung Hero Award
Tanya Bish
Founder of Living Potential Care Farming CIC
NS
Community Impact Award
Nicola Swales
Founder of Shine Bright CIC
BT
Community Impact Award
Blossom Training and Development CIC
Madeleine France & Rachael Allen
Thank you
To every finalist, nominator and guest
Every nomination told a story of hope. Congratulations to all of our 2026 finalists, whose work continues to change lives across Leeds and beyond.
Thank you to our partners and supporters
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Be part of the 2027 Hope Awards
Help us celebrate the people bringing hope to our communities.