Celebrating Our Real Heroes at the My Voice Conference

At this year’s My Voice Conference, we came together to celebrate what truly makes Real Life Options special, the people we support, the staff who support them, and the volunteers who go above and beyond every day.

The My Voice Conference is all about listening to the people we support, understanding what matters for them, and turning their feedback into action. But it’s also an opportunity to recognise those who embody our values and make a real difference in their communities.

This year, the evening concluded with our Real Heroes Awards, honouring the incredible individuals and teams who inspire others through their resilience, kindness and dedication.

People We Support Awards

Our People We Support Awards celebrate individuals who have shown strength, positivity and growth in their personal journeys.

Philip Nelthorpe (Newcastle and Durham Services) was recognised for his resilience and adaptability during a year of big changes. When Philip needed to move out of his home for important renovations, he took it in his stride, turning what could have been a difficult time into a new beginning. His positive outlook has inspired others, and he’s now planning to take more adventures in the future, including possibly a holiday.

Sairish Rashid (Sheffield Day Centre) was nominated by her Support Workers for her positive attitude and determination to try new things. Over the past year, Sairish has embraced new activities including trampolining, swimming and the gym, improving her health and mobility and bringing joy to everyone around her. Her team describe her as “a complete pleasure to support.”

Volunteer Award

Our volunteers play an essential role in enhancing the lives of the people we support, and this year’s Volunteer Award went to Jill Foalks (Rodger Lane, Wakefield).
Jill was nominated by her management team for her tireless fundraising work for Rett UK, a charity that supports people living with a rare genetic condition that also affects her daughter. Her commitment, compassion and drive to make a difference reflect the very best of what volunteering can achieve.

💚 Staff Member Awards

The Staff Member Awards recognise the individuals who live our values every day and go above and beyond in their roles.

Gemma Reid (Elgin) was nominated for the energy, passion and creativity she brings to her role as a Support Worker. She leads on events, community fundraisers and the much-loved Friends and Family Day, a summer highlight that brings everyone together to celebrate achievements and connection. Gemma’s manager described her as “always honest and respectful, promoting person-centred support, good practice and Real Life Options values.”

Kay McLaughlin (South Tyneside) was nominated by several members of her team for her outstanding leadership and commitment. Kay is known for going the extra mile,  for her staff and the people we support. She has brought her services to an excellent standard and continues to drive improvement every day. Her knowledge, kindness and dedication have made a lasting difference to so many lives.

Staff Team and Service Awards

Our final awards of the evening recognised the power of teamwork and community spirit.

The Inverurie Staff Team have shown outstanding growth and commitment, expanding their service while maintaining excellent standards of support. They also opened a new community hub, creating a welcoming space for social connection, friendship and opportunity. Their fundraising efforts and dedication to living our values make them truly deserving winners.

The Bisley Drive Team were recognised for their exceptional work providing high-quality respite care. Supporting different people each week, the team ensures every stay is personal and meaningful. Their compassion recently shone through in the creation of a Memory Garden, developed with the family of a person they supported for many years, a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. Their reputation for excellence and kindness is well known across the community.

A Night of Inspiration

The Real Heroes Awards remind us that every act of support, kindness and courage matters, whether it’s a staff member creating special moments, a volunteer giving their time, or a person we support achieving something new.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and nominees. You are the reason Real Life Options continues to make life better together.