Friday 7 November 2025
Our #TEWVstars lit up Ramside Hall Hotel last night (6 November) as colleagues, volunteers and partners came together for the Star Awards 2025.
The evening honoured those who go the extra mile across our trust, making a real difference every day.
Hosted by mental health advocate Jake Mills, guests heard powerful stories behind each inspiring nomination.
Congratulations to all our winners and everyone who received a nomination. Find out who won below.
Volunteer of the year
Winner – LEE HARTNELL
Lee is a dedicated volunteer in Roseberry Ward, Lanchester Road Hospital, where he helps with activities and uses his lived experience to support patients.
His nominators described him as friendly, approachable, outstanding, selfless and down to earth. They said, “It is nice to have someone around with lived experience who is enthusiastic.”
Also shortlisted:
- Laura and Bella
- Sophie and Daisy
Partnership working
Winner – MATTHEW STEPHENSON
Matt partnered with Harrogate Town Community Foundation to launch Pitch Positive and MAN v FAT – projects that use his love of football to support men’s mental health and practical ways to get support.
His passion and commitment make him an integral part of these projects, driven by genuine care for others.
Also shortlisted:
- Voyage to Recovery
- Ridgeway education team
Co-creation champion
Winner – RUTH LORD
Ruth has played a key role in shaping mental health services through her involvement work including creating a therapy support leaflet, contributing to an animation, and co-creating the ‘You Matter’ campaign.
One nominator said, “In everything she does, Ruth demonstrates integrity, empathy and an unwavering belief in the value of lived experience.”
Also shortlisted:
- Rodney Dale
- Holly Andrews
Rising star
Winner – HANNAH WATSON
In under three years, Hannah’s nominators said she has made an ‘extraordinary’ impact as a senior community pharmacy technician.
She’s improved medicine management by visiting patients’ homes, collaborating with primary care and community pharmacy teams, and creating support systems that empower vulnerable individuals.
Her dedication ensures patients manage complex medication needs with dignity and independence.
Also shortlisted:
- Kyle Bjart
- Rebecca Kemp
Team of the year
Winner – DURHAM AND DARLINGTON PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
With 12 heartfelt nominations, this team is honoured for their warmth, resilience and compassionate care. They tailor perinatal support, lead awareness campaigns and co-create transformative resources that guide birthing people through their journeys.
Their integrity uplifts families and colleagues alike. Patients say they felt “supported,” “transformed” and “made the mother they are today.”
Also shortlisted:
- Wold View ward
- Redcar child and adolescent mental health services getting more help team
Excellence in learning
Winner – HAYLEY HAWKSBY
Hayley’s ADHD pilot has transformed prison care. Her training uncovered undiagnosed cases, leading to dramatic improvements – one person left segregation, and another improved after years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.
By empowering staff and embedding new practices, Hayley’s work has now been applied trustwide, helping to improve countless lives.
Also shortlisted:
- Lisa Edmonds and Lucy Gill
- Easington mental health services for older people
Co-creation in action
Winner – Chris’s Voice video
Chris Irish lost his life to suicide on 13 February 2021. Following identified omissions in his care, his family created Chris’s Voice to amplify patient and family voices.
A video co-created with them has been viewed over 2,500 times, sparking deep reflection and described by staff as “changing practice,” “inspiring compassion,” and “reinforcing listening.”
Also shortlisted:
- STOMP in Action video
- Adult Autism Post Diagnostic Guide
Student of the year
Winner – EMILY NORTON
Emily’s nominators praised her professionalism and compassion during her secure inpatient speech and language therapy placement.
Her impactful literature review on seclusion supported service development across the trust. From day one, Emily built strong relationships, embraced challenges, and consistently embodied our trust values, making a lasting impression on her peers.
Also shortlisted:
- Tania Carter
- Chloe Allan
Wellbeing contribution
Winner – RUCKSANA ASLAM AND THE WOODSIDE DEMENTIA AND WELLBEING HUB
Nominated by five carers, this team won for their unwavering compassion and care.
Led by Rucksana, the Hub’s Wednesday Carers Group and WhatsApp chat offer a safe, supportive space for dementia carers to connect, heal and support one another.
One nominator shared: “Their caring help and compassion does not just start when you need help. After a diagnosis of dementia of a loved one it goes on for as long as you need it.”
Also shortlisted:
- Rachel Woods
- Emma Brookshaw and the TEWV Running team
People’s star
Winner – CLARE SWAINSTON
Clare was nominated by a patient who said: “I am truly blessed to have Clare in my life, she is an incredible selfless human. It is impossible to not smile when around her. It would be wonderful if her brilliance could be shared with the wider community.”
She is praised for making them feel more human and valued, treating them with genuine kindness and respect, with an ability to see past their diagnoses and ‘speak to the real me’.
Also shortlisted:
- Millie Gallone
- Lesley Chapman
Living our values
Winner – SIDIKAT ADE-AKANNI
Sidikat goes above and beyond to embody our trust’s values of respect, compassion and responsibility.
With nine nominations, she’s celebrated for her empathy, integrity and quiet leadership. She “listens without judgement,” uplifts others with kindness, and “creates a ripple effect of positivity.” One nominator said, “The Trust is better because she’s part of it.”
Also shortlisted:
- Rodiat Yinusa
- Middlesbrough mental health services for older people team
Chair’s award
Winner – LEE HARTNELL
To all our nominees, winners and supporters, thank you for inspiring us every day and lighting the way for others.
Star Awards 2025 photos
