The awards brought colleagues together at New Hall Hotel and Spa in Birmingham, with others joining virtually from services across the organisation.
A total of 232 nominations were received across six categories, recognising colleagues and teams who are making a difference through compassionate care, innovative practice, leadership, education and their commitment to supporting people in their recovery and independence.
Vicky Wisniewski, Director of Occupational Therapy (North), said: “Our Awards provide the opportunity to come together and celebrate the incredible contribution occupational therapy makes across our services every single day.
“They recognise individuals and teams who have inspired others, championed recovery, developed services, supported colleagues and made a lasting difference to the lives of the people they work with.
“Every nomination told a story. A story of kindness, innovation and someone making a difference, often without realising just how much their actions meant to those around them.”
Occupational Therapist of the Year
Winner: April Wilsher, Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Newton House
April was recognised for helping to transform occupational therapy opportunities for patients at Cygnet Newton House.
Through volunteering projects, college opportunities, community partnerships, animal therapy and other creative initiatives, she has helped create meaningful experiences designed to support recovery and greater independence.
Her nominations described her as inspirational, resilient and supportive, highlighting the way she has helped create opportunities which are individualised and connected to people’s lives and aspirations beyond hospital.
Finalists:
- Abishek Gopinathan, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Paddocks
- Karen Shaw, Regional Lead Occupational Therapist, based at Ranaich House, Trinity House and Trinity Lodge
- April Wilsher, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Newton House
Outstanding Occupational Therapy Assistant
Winner: Tara Fifield, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cygnet Hospital Godden Green
Tara was recognised for her compassion, professionalism and ability to build meaningful therapeutic relationships with patients.
Her nominations highlighted her work supporting patients in challenging environments, delivering therapeutic interventions and supporting colleagues and families.
They also recognised her skilled use of the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability and her ability to engage patients who may initially find it difficult to participate in occupational therapy.
Finalists:
- Tara Fifield, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cygnet Hospital Godden Green
- Caitlin Harrison, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cygnet Hospital Derby
- Wayne Morrall, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Cygnet Oaks
Heart of Occupational Therapy
Winners: Donna Ironmonger and Savannah Bailie, Occupational Therapy Team, Cygnet Lodge Salford
Donna and Savannah were celebrated for the difference their teamwork, creativity and compassion have made to the people supported at Cygnet Lodge Salford.
Their nominations highlighted their work to develop vocational opportunities, support individual recovery journeys and help people build confidence and independence.
Service users also spoke about feeling heard and included, with opportunities to help shape their own timetables and recovery.
Finalists:
- Nicole Kenyan, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Pindar House
- Georgia Nelson, Regional Lead Occupational Therapist, based at Cygnet St William’s
- Donna Ironmonger and Savannah Bailie, Occupational Therapy Team, Cygnet Lodge Salford
Occupational Therapy Leadership and Influence
Winner: Rachel Rowe, Regional Lead Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Clifton
Rachel was recognised for her leadership and longstanding contribution to occupational therapy.
Her nominations highlighted the innovative opportunities she has helped create for service users, alongside her commitment to supporting and developing colleagues.
She also played a pivotal role in Cygnet Hospital Clifton’s journey towards achieving a CQC rating of ‘Good’, while helping to ensure meaningful occupation remains central to recovery.
Finalists:
- Kerry Booth, Regional Lead Occupational Therapist, based at Cygnet Hospital Sheffield
- Theoca Fredericks, VdTMoCA Lead Occupational Therapist & Head Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Godden Green
- Rachel Rowe, Regional Lead Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Clifton
Practice Education and Workforce
Winner: Sophie Hughes, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Bury Dunes
Sophie was recognised for her contribution to developing the next generation of occupational therapists.
As Practice Education Coordinator for the North West, she has built partnerships with universities and supported students, clinicians, educators and services to create meaningful learning opportunities.
Her nominations recognised the breadth of this support, from helping first-time educators and students to navigating complex placements and creating opportunities for learning beyond traditional placements.
Finalists:
- Sophie Hughes, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Bury Dunes
- Satira Philip, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Colchester
- Joanna Smith, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Appletree
Sarah Thompson Legacy Award
Winner: Caitlyn Price, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Stevenage
The Sarah Thompson Legacy Award is presented in memory of Sarah Thompson, a much-loved and valued colleague who is remembered for her dedication to occupational therapy and the kindness, warmth and positivity she brought to those around her.
The award recognises a Band 5 Occupational Therapist who demonstrates exceptional promise, positivity and dedication early in their career, while reflecting the qualities for which Sarah is remembered.
This year’s award was presented to Caitlyn Price, Occupational Therapist at Cygnet Hospital Stevenage.
Finalists:
- Ella Gibson, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Oaks
- Caitlyn Price, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Stevenage
- Evie Rhodes, Occupational Therapist, Cygnet Hospital Bierley
Celebrating occupational therapy across Cygnet
Sylvia Dubarry, Regional Director of Occupational Therapy (South), said:
“The Awards remind us of the incredible impact occupational therapy has on the lives of the people we support. We’ve heard stories of compassion, creativity, leadership, innovation, courage, teamwork and kindness.
“These awards recognise a handful of individuals and teams, but they represent the work happening every day across our services.”
The awards were presented by Vicky Wisniewski, Sylvia Dubarry, Dr Gbolagade Akintomide, Divisional Medical Director, North Division, Dr Gareth Jarvis, Divisional Medical Director, South Division, and Kay Bolton, Director of Clinical Education.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, finalists and nominees.
