Tameside and Glossop NHS heroes celebrated at awards

The compassion, dedication and life-changing impact of mental health and learning disability staff across Tameside and Glossop has been recognised at the 2025 Pennine Care People Awards.

Now in its fourth year, the ceremony brought together more than 400 guests, including 27 finalists selected from over 500 nominations across Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, which provides mental health, learning disability and autism services across Tameside, Glossop and wider Greater Manchester. The evening was hosted by radio and TV presenter Stephanie Hirst, who described the experience as “an absolute honour,” praising the inspiring and emotional stories shared throughout the night.

Short, powerful films highlighted the remarkable contributions of finalists, alongside a moving patient thank-you video and a heartfelt tribute to nurse Erika Slater, who passed away last year. Erika, who dedicated over 50 years to caring for others, was posthumously nominated for the Ray of Sunshine Award for the warmth and compassion she brought to patients, families and colleagues.

Pennine Care’s chief executive, Anthony Hassall, said the event was a reminder of the “extraordinary work” taking place every day across local services.

“Our incredible colleagues are the beating heart of the NHS. In the face of ongoing challenges, their compassion, innovation, and resilience continue to change lives every day,” he said. “Tonight offered a small but moving snapshot of the dedication, talent and care that our people bring to our communities.”

Trust chair Claudette Elliott described the evening as “uplifting,” praising the commitment shown by staff throughout the organisation.

“As a former auxiliary nurse and social worker, I understand how demanding frontline care can be, yet our colleagues continue to show up, care deeply, and make a difference every single day,” she said. “Because of them, patients and families always have hope for a brighter future.”

Host Stephanie Hirst added that seeing the impact of Pennine Care’s staff “first-hand” was deeply humbling.

Inclusion Champion Award – Daniel Beresford and Rob Baker

Tameside and Glossop involvement co-ordinators Daniel Beresford and Rob Baker were honoured for their pioneering “human library” event, which brought people with lived experience of mental health challenges together with NHS staff for honest, stigma-reducing conversations. Their compassion and creativity have strengthened understanding and ensured service users’ voices remain central to care.

Ray of Sunshine Award – Jessica Rimmer

Tameside and Glossop dementia practitioner Jessica Rimmer was named Pennine Care’s 2025 Ray of Sunshine. Known for her unwavering kindness and empathy, Jessica brings comfort and dignity to patients and families, finding thoughtful solutions to keep people safe at home and providing high-quality, compassionate care.

Great Improvement Award – Living Well Services

The Living Well services across Tameside, Glossop, Oldham, Stockport, Bury, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale were recognised for transforming support for people whose needs fall between primary care and specialist services. Their “no wrong door” approach, uniting NHS teams, social care, GPs, and community organisations, has improved experiences for thousands.

Brilliant Partnership Award – New Starters Project Team

The New Starters Project Team was celebrated for dramatically improving how new colleagues join Pennine Care. Their work has streamlined processes, reduced delays, and created a supportive, clearer welcome for staff, helping ensure new team members begin their roles feeling valued and prepared, ultimately benefiting patient care.

People can find out more about the winners and other finalists at www.penninecare.nhs.uk/awards2025