Northern Heroes Recognised at Leeds Mental Health Awards

October 14, 2026 Off By

Hope Awards 2026 celebrate contributions to mental health and suicide prevention

Ten individuals from across the North of England were honoured at the Hope Awards 2026, held on 8 October at New Craven Hall in Leeds. The awards recognise efforts to improve mental health and prevent suicide, with winners selected from more than 80 nominations.

About the Hope Awards

The Hope Awards are organised by HelloHope, a suicide prevention organisation established two years ago. The event aims to acknowledge people who have provided hope and support to others facing mental health challenges. This year’s ceremony was attended by over 150 guests and featured a judging panel comprising professionals from various sectors.

Winners and Categories

The awards covered ten categories, highlighting a range of contributions to mental health and suicide prevention:

Suicide Intervener of the Year: Jack Roberts from Liverpool, recognised for completing over 500 suicide interventions through the Jade L Roberts Project, named in memory of his sister.
Innovative Mental Health Programme/Campaign: Lizzie Crofts of Cavalier Health, noted for supporting mental health in the construction sector.
Wellbeing Superstar: Mark Charlie Valentine and Sebastian Budniak of White Fox Talking, hosts of a mental health podcast.
Education and Youth Support: Shaheen Myers of Balance:ed, supporting educational leaders following personal loss from suicide.
Workplace Excellence: Loreeta Duberry of Together Women Leeds.
Creative Impact: Ben Buddy Slack of The Swan Song Project.
Unsung Hero: Sharon Burke of The James Burke Foundation.
Inspiring Individual: Blerta Ilazi, a former refugee nurse working with RE:STORE to support refugees training as nurses.
Community Impact: Chris Sylvester of Getting Clean CIC, who uses lived experience to address addiction and homelessness.
Special Recognition in Mental Health & Suicide Prevention: Awarded posthumously to Megan Suckling, a University of Leeds graduate who founded SSAFE (Suicide Support and Awareness For Everyone) to support students and manage volunteer teams at major events.

Additional Commendations

Four individuals and groups received Highly Commended awards:

Melody Reed (Music Box CIC) – Creative Impact
Tanya Bish (Living Potential Care Farm) – Unsung Hero
Nicola Swales (Shine Bright) – Community Impact
Madeleine France and Rachael Allen (Blossom Training CIC) – Community Impact

Judging Panel and Supporters

The judging panel included:

Greg Wright, Journalist and Deputy Business Editor at The Yorkshire Post
Steve Phillip, Founder and Director of The Jordan Legacy CIC
Sharon Watson MBE DL, Chief Executive and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance
Miranda Arieh, Founder of NHS’ Healing, Education and Recovery of Emotional Strength programme

The event was sponsored by Claire & Katy PR, Wren Brand and Marketing, Luwero Wealth Advisors, Josie Armitage Associates, RSJ, and Impulse Decisions, which also ran a silent auction. Funds raised will support HelloHope’s ongoing suicide prevention work.