Unity – 2025, a year in review

Hello! Unity Co-Chairs Mary and Simon, here!

2025 is now in the rear-view mirror, and it has probably been Unity and Campaign 4 Change’s busiest year yet!
There have been dozens of projects that Unity & Campaign 4 Change have gotten involved with or lead on – from designing the new Achieve together website, to joining the Day of Action around National Insurance contributions, – there’s been too many things to mention!

Instead, we’re going to chat about some of our favourite projects – projects that have had a huge impact, or perhaps projects that have just been fun!

Mary: I really enjoyed the Day of Action, because I got to have an interview with Sky TV about the national insurance increase! I was also pleased to be nominated for the Leaders Awards (and win!), and I was also nominated for the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards! I also loved visiting Brighton to take some new photos for the website. Finally, I was invited to a meeting with Baroness Casey to discuss the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, which is a government review on how to improve social care!

Simon: I think for me one would be the University of Bradford Co-production lecture. In February, we presented a Co-Production lecture to undergraduate social worker students. This was an online webinar where myself, Crystal and the Co-production Team presented. We received positive feedback from both students and lecturers from the University. We hope to work with them again!

Another project would be the 2025 Hero Awards. Alongside being nominated for an award, I, with other members of Unity, co-produced the Heroes Awards Celebrations. We were involved from the very early stages and were part of the decisions made around what awards would be distributed and to whom. At each of the three regional awards, Unity members helped with the organisation and running of the day. I had the privilege of delivering the opening speech at the south awards alongside Michael Fullerton, and I also presented an award.

Looking forward, 2026 is also shaping up to be a busy year! More projects, more co-production, and moving forward with Unity’s Big Plan!

Mary & Simon, Unity Co-Chairs