The Elysian Awards 2026
18 APRIL 2026 · G LIVE, GUILDFORD
Celebrating the changemakers in education, care and community
The first ever Elysian Awards took place on 18th April 2026 at G Live, Guildford — an evening honouring 20 Gold Award winners across education, care, therapeutic practice and community services. Hosted by comedian Jo Brand, the ceremony brought together nominees and guests from schools, care homes, city farms and community organisations across the country for a night of laughter, tears and well-deserved standing ovations.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and extend a special thank you to Jo Brand for bringing warmth, wit and heart to the occasion.
“Being in the same room as these dedicated people and watching them be celebrated was incredible. I could not be prouder of everyone we celebrated that night.”
Dr Charlotte Williams, CEO, Elysian
The awards were founded by Dr Charlotte Williams to recognise professionals whose work rarely receives the public recognition it deserves — people whose impact is measured not in headlines, but in lives changed. Her guiding philosophy shaped every aspect of the evening:
“Good practice is not defined by systems or labels. It is defined by the difference it makes to the person in front of you.”
Dr Charlotte Williams
Among the 20 Gold Award winners, Steph Freeman (Outstanding Contribution in Education – Individual) described receiving her award as “an entirely unexpected moment and one I will never forget.” Daniel Sukula, recognised for Transformational Leadership, dedicated his award to “the whole Be The Change family,” adding: “We’re changing lives together, and this is only the beginning.”
2026 Gold Award Winners
Category | Gold Award Winner | Organisation |
Breaking the Mould Award | Michelle John | PEGS |
Brilliant Team Award | People & Animal Wellbeing Services CIC | People & Animal Wellbeing Services CIC |
Incredible Volunteer Contribution Award | Les HeyHoe | Lil’ Les Charity Man |
Inspiring Change Through Creative Practice | Carmel Garvey | Arts Care |
Judges’ Choice Award – Individual | Zeeshan Sharif | Barnet Mencap |
Judges’ Choice Award – Team | Intergenerational Music Making | Intergenerational Music Making |
Lifetime Achievement | Amanda Knowles MBE | Your Life Your Story |
Making a Difference Together | YMCA Downslink Group | YMCA Downslink Group |
Making a Difference with Animals | Southampton City Farm | Southampton City Farm |
No One Left Behind Award | WCHG Youth Team | WCHG Youth Team |
Outstanding Contribution in Education (Individual) | Steph Freeman | Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group |
Outstanding Contribution in Education (Organisation) | TMP College | TMP College |
Partnership That Makes a Difference | Billy & Beyond | Billy & Beyond |
Rising Star Award (18–30) | Tom Kitcher | Southampton City Farm |
Transformational Leadership | Daniel Sukula | Be The Change Youth Project CIC |
Woman Making a Difference | Joanna Dilworth | Appeer |
Mentorship Excellence Award | Zeeshan Sharif | Barnet Mencap |
Mentorship Impact Award | Buddy Up | Buddy Up |
Special Recognition – Impact | Kelly Rogers | Empowering Futures |
Special Recognition – Community | Waltham Forest Pet Foodbank | Waltham Forest Pet Foodbank |
About the Elysian Awards
Founded by Dr Charlotte Williams, the Elysian Awards celebrate the quiet changemakers working across education, health, care and community services. Elysian was established in 2015 and operates across multiple sites in Surrey and Hampshire, specialising in therapeutic education, animal-assisted interventions and outreach services.
Nominate for the 2027 Awards
Nominations for the 2027 Elysian Awards are now open and free to submit. We look forward to welcoming you back to G Live, Guildford next year.
Nominate now: elysianawards.org/elysian-awards-2027/
Sponsorship enquiries: elysianawards.org/sponsorship/
© Copyright 2026 Elysian Awards. All right reserved.