North Heroes awards celebrate team members and people we support 

November 5, 2026

Tuesday 3 November saw the first of three of our 2026 Heroes awards events take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Stoke-on-Trent. Every year, our Heroes awards shine a spotlight on the people and teams who go above and beyond to make a difference – from team members and managers to people we support.

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Team members and people we support gathered for a special event celebrating the finalists who made the shortlist for this year’s awards in the North region.  

Attendees were greeted in the morning with refreshments, and an opportunity to catch up with people from across the organisation. Once seated, Chief People Officer, Lisa Cole, Operations Director – North, Sharon Ford, and Unity Board Member – North, Katie, opened the event, and shared a moment of remembrance for those we have sadly lost this year. 

Just before the awards presentations began, Katie introduced a celebration of the achievements, milestones and memorable moments from across 2026. 

Meet the winners 

We’re delighted to share the winners of the North Heroes awards.  

Being brave


🏆Michelle Parker, Home Manager, Dybdale Crescent, Wellingborough
🏆Stephen, Person we supported, Supported Living in North Manchester

Having fun


🏆Mary Manning, Support Worker, Fosse Bank House, Blackburn
🏆Shaun, Person we support, Supported Living in Central West

Making things happen


🏆Kirsty Killbride, Support Worker, Supported Living in Crumpsall
🏆Ian, Person we support, DCA Shrewsbury

Valuing everyone


🏆Chelsea Loftus, Deputy Manager, Supported Living in Manchester
🏆Brian, Person we support, Ransdale House, Middlesbrough

Wellbeing and health promotion


🏆River, Person we support, Supported Living in Crumpsall

Inspirational person


🏆Steph Hillen, Registered Manager, Winterfell, St Helens
🏆Mark, Person we support, Supported Living in Crumpsall

Home/Service of the year


🏆Ransdale House, Middlesbrough

Community hub team member of the year


🏆Simon Reilly, PBS Practitioner

Congratulations to our winners and finalists! 

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Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together 

This year’s Heroes awards coincide with Achieve together’s 30th anniversary. For three decades, we’ve been supporting people to live happy, healthy and meaningful lives, made possible by the dedication, compassion and commitment of our team members.  

The milestone was celebrated throughout the day, with special anniversary videos and a selfie frame complete with 90s-themed decorations for everyone to enjoy.

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An event to remember 

Throughout the day, there was a real sense of celebration as team members and people we support came together to recognise each other and their achievements. 

Everyone enjoyed a three-course meal, providing a fantastic opportunity to catch up, relax and enjoy the day together. 

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Operations Director – North, Sharon Ford shared, “The Heroes awards are really important for people to come together, and for us to validate the great work that’s gone on throughout the year. The people we support and our teams look forward to an event where they can share their stories and innovative practice. Seeing people having the opportunity to come up on stage, hear the cheers and have that beautiful validation means so much to everybody.”

Thank you to everyone who made the North Heroes awards such a special event. We look forward to our Wales & West and South & East Heroes awards events taking place later in November.

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