Service users Akin, from Cygnet Bury Hudson, and Vicki, from Cygnet Elms, have both been shortlisted in the Individual Progress Award category, while Langdale House, an Outstanding-rated Cygnet Social Care service in Huddersfield, has been named as a finalist in the Social Care Star Award category.
The National Lived Experience Awards celebrate the achievements of people accessing inpatient mental health, learning disability, autism and residential care services, as well as the teams and services that support them. The awards recognise resilience, creativity, determination and the positive difference people with lived experience make to themselves, others and their communities.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at Statfold Country Park, Tamworth, on Wednesday 23 September.
Akin recognised for remarkable recovery journey
Akin, who receives support on West Hampton Ward at Cygnet Bury Hudson, has been shortlisted for the Individual Progress Award after making exceptional progress during his recovery while also becoming a positive influence on those around him.
His nomination read: “Akinhas made amazing progress since being admitted to West Hampton Ward. The start of his journey was difficult, and Akin spent time on the ward and in seclusion due to violence. Akin loved music and used the power of music to build upon his journey.”
The nomination praised Akin’s commitment to therapy, psychology, occupational therapy and treatment, as well as his involvement in Cygnet’s Music 2 Empower programme, adding: “Akin has been motivated within himself” and recognising how he “continues to make videos and music.”
Alongside his own recovery, Akin has become an active member of the hospital community, helping shape improvements to the service, supporting fellow patients through music and songwriting, contributing to service user forums and joining the Events Team Committee for this year’s National Lived Experience Awards.
Speaking previously about the impact music has had on his recovery, Akin said: “Writing is really important to me because it’s my safe and happy zone. Coming to Cygnet has enabled me to relearn skills and perfect my craft when it comes to music. I’ve not been this well in years and it’s all thanks to Cygnet and the staff that work here.
“Music is a fun place to be in. I find it breath-taking. Music has an impact on how I’m feeling, it brings me happiness. Whenever I listen to music, I’m in my happy place.”
Vicki shortlisted after defying the odds
Vicki, who receives support at Cygnet Elms in Birmingham, has also been shortlisted in the Individual Progress Award category after achieving remarkable personal milestones during more than six years at the service.
Her nomination read: “Vicki has achieved so much in her time in hospital. In particular, in this past year she has become outstanding in her knowledge, expertise and experience despite being in psychiatric hospital.”
It continued: “Vicki was put into hospital over six years ago and it seemed like she would never come out, and would never be able to achieve her dreams. But she defied all odds and even got married whilst in hospital at Elms!”
The nomination also recognised Vicki’s achievements beyond the hospital, stating: “She has now even got a job as an actor performing about her life experiences as an inpatient; and even now is a Guest Lecturer at University College Birmingham as an Expert by Experience sharing her achievements and experiences with students who will be future leaders in such settings.”
As well as these achievements, Vicki has co-produced projects within the service, including the Unmasking Project, creating Elmsopoly and Elms Dobble, and launching the first-ever Stars of Elms Awards.
Speaking about the support she has received, Vicki said: “Being a specialist hospital for people with learning disabilities and autism, Elms really understand my needs, right from their very roots. Elms strive to provide me with all the support I need to reach my full potential. Life isn’t easy, but Elms help me to navigate my way through the difficult times, and the day to day difficulties that I have. They help me to see a bit of hope, no matter how dim it seems.”
Reflecting on her journey, she added: “With companies like Elms, and Open Theatre Company, my opinion of my Autism has changed. I am now proud to be autistic and I champion autism – even to the point of studying it at PhD level!”
Langdale House recognised for outstanding co-production
Langdale House, Cygnet Social Care’s Outstanding-rated specialist residential service in Huddersfield, has been shortlisted in the Social Care Star Award category for its commitment to co-production and ensuring the people it supports are active, valued members of their local community.
Its nomination read: “Langdale House is passionate about ensuring that the people they support are not only part of their local community but are valued, recognised, and able to contribute to it in meaningful ways.”
“The team consistently goes above and beyond to create opportunities based on individual interests, strengths, and aspirations, enabling residents to build genuine relationships, develop confidence, and experience a true sense of belonging.”
The nomination also praised the service’s commitment to inclusion, adding: “At Langdale, community inclusion is not viewed as an isolated activity, but as a fundamental part of everyday life. The team is deeply committed to ensuring that every resident is seen, heard, respected, and empowered to live a rich, meaningful life.”
Laura Davy, Registered Manager at Langdale House, said: “To be shortlisted for a National Lived Experience Award is a tremendous honour because it reflects what matters most to us, the voices and experiences of the people we support.
“At Langdale House, co-production isn’t something we do occasionally; it’s at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside the people we support every day, listening to what matters to them, creating opportunities together and helping each person live a life that is meaningful to them.
“I’m incredibly proud of our whole team for the compassion, creativity and dedication they show every day, but I’m equally proud of the people who live at Langdale House. This recognition belongs to them as much as it does to us because everything we achieve is achieved together.”