Look back at the Elysian Awards 2026

What a night to remember!

On the 18th April 2026 at G Live in Guildford, we celebrated the often forgotten heroes across our communities.

People travelled from far and wide, from schools, care homes, city farms and community halls to celebrate together. The first ever Elysian Awards evening was everything we hoped it would be and more. The hilarious Jo Brand helped us to celebrate the 16 Gold Award winners and kept us laughing throughout the evening. There was laughter, tears, standing ovations and finally recognition who those often overlooked.

A note from Charlotte, CEO and Founder of Elysian

“When I first had the idea for the Elysian Awards, I wanted to create something that felt different. Not just another glitzy ceremony, but something more real. Something that truly reflected the depth and courage of the work happening without recognition every day.

Being in the same room as these dedicated people and watching them be celebrated was incredible, and I’m eternally grateful to everyone who joined us, those who nominated, and our team for bringing it all together. I could not be prouder of everyone we celebrated that night. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did, and I look forward to doing it all again for the 2027 awards!”

The Elysian Award Winners 2026

Discover the incredible winners of our 2026 Elysian Awards.

Category	Winner
Breaking the Mould Award	Michelle John - PEGS
Brilliant Team Award	People & Animal Wellbeing Services CIC
Incredible Volunteer Contribution Award	Les HeyHoe
Inspiring Change Through Creative Practice	Carmel Garvey - Arts Care
Judges' Choice Award - Individual	Zeeshan Sharif - Barnet Mencap
Judges' Choice Award - Team	Intergenerational Music Making
Lifetime Achievement	Amanda Knowles MBE - Your Life Your Story
Making a Difference Together	YMCA Downslink Group
Making a Difference with Animals	Southampton City Farm
Mentorship Excellence Award	Zeeshan Sharif - Barnet Mencap
Mentorship Impact Award	Buddy Up
No One Left Behind Award	WCHG Youth Team
Outstanding Contribution in Education (Individual)	Steph Freeman - Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group
Outstanding Contribution in Education (Organisation)	TMP College
Partnership That Makes a Difference	Billy & Beyond
Rising Star Award (18-30)	Tom Kitcher - Southampton City Farm
Special Recognition - Community	Waltham Forest Pet Foodbank
Special Recognition - Impact	Kelly Rogers - Empowering Futures
Transformational Leadership	Daniel Sukula - Be The Change Youth Project CIC
Woman Making a Difference	Joanna Dilworth - Appeer

“I was truly honoured to receive the Silver Award, but completely shocked and humbled to also receive the Gold Award,” said Steph Freeman. “It was an entirely unexpected moment and one I will never forget.” – Steph Freeman – Outstanding Contribution to Education (Individual), Gold Winner | Safe Space Solihull SEN Support Group

“This award isn’t just for me, it’s for the whole Be The Change family. Every volunteer, every staff member, and every young person who has been part of this journey. We’re changing lives together, and this is only the beginning.” – Daniel Sukula – Transformational Leadership Award, Gold Winner | Be The Change Youth Project

Join us for the Elysian Awards 2027

The Elysian Awards 2027 are now open for nominations. If you know someone making a difference in education, therapy, care, or their community, nominate them today. Nominations are free, open to everyone, and take just a few minutes. Help us recognise the people doing truly life-changing work.

Become a sponsor for 2027

The Elysian Awards celebrate the people doing the most important work in our communities, and we want to grow this recognition every year.

For 2027, we’re inviting organisations and individuals who share our values to become sponsors and be recognised alongside community heroes in front of hundreds of guests.

To find out more, please email awards@elysianuk.org

Celebrating the power of people to make a difference!

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