Award Categories
Each one recognises a different kind of excellence in the field
Community Impact Award
For a grassroots group, charity, or community initiative making a measurable difference locally.
Innovative Mental Health Programme or Campaign Award
For a creative or pioneering project improving awareness, access, or outcomes.
Education & Youth Support Award
For schools, universities, youth organisations, or individuals supporting young people’s mental health.
Wellbeing Superstars
For individuals or teams who go above and beyond to champion everyday wellbeing and create positive, supportive environments before crisis point.
Unsung Hero Award
The person quietly making things happen behind meaningful campaigns and organisations.
Inspiring Individual of the Year
For someone with lived experience who is using their voice to reduce stigma and support others.
Suicide Intervener of the Year
For an individual who helped provide someone with the hope they needed to keep them here today.
Creative Impact Award
Championing individuals/ groups in music, the arts, media, or influencing who have used their creative talents to make a positive impact.
Workplace Excellence Award
For an organisation or leader promoting mental health and/or suicide prevention in the workplace.
Tech Leaders
For individuals, teams, or organisations using technology to support mental health, wellbeing, or suicide prevention in meaningful ways.
Special Recognition in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
For long-standing dedication and/or significant impact in the field.
This special award is reserved for an individual or organisation selected by the panel in recognition of exceptional commitment to mental health and suicide prevention. It honours those whose long-term dedication, leadership, and influence have made a substantial contribution to the field. This category is intended to acknowledge outstanding legacy, service, and impact beyond the standard nomination process.
The work that deserves recognition starts with you. Nominate the people and organisations doing what matters most.
Their words
Those who have been part of this journey speak plainly about what it means.
Questions
Everything you need to know about the Hope Awards categories
Anyone doing meaningful work in their field can be nominated. You don't need to be famous or established. What matters is the substance of what you're building and the impact it's having on real people.
Self-nominations are welcome. You know your work better than anyone. Tell us what you've done and why it matters. The judges will evaluate it on the same rigorous standard as any other nomination.
Each category recognises a distinct type of excellence. Some focus on campaigns, others on the person leading it, and some on the broader change being created. We have a prestigious panel of judges that understand this world.
The shortlist is published first, giving recognition to the strongest nominations. Winners are announced at the ceremony on Thursday 8 October at New Craven Hall, Leeds.
Judges review nominations carefully, looking for evidence of real impact and genuine commitment. They consider what's been accomplished, what obstacles were overcome, and what it means for the future of the field.
They examine what's been accomplished, what barriers were overcome, and what it signals about the future. The evaluation is rigorous because recognition here needs to mean something real. Evidence matters more than promises.
The closing date to submit your nomination(s) is 12pm on Monday 29 June 2026.
Organisations, individuals, and initiatives at any stage can be nominated. We're looking for substance and genuine commitment to mental health and suicide prevention, not credentials or years of operation. If the impact is real, it belongs here.
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