This year’s awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, who include:
- My Purchasing Partner
- Central Computers
- Cielo Costa
- Social Optic
- Lived Experience Network (LENs)
- Britton Price
The National Lived Experience Awards are a vital opportunity to recognise and honour individuals who have used their experiences of inpatient mental health, learning disability and autism services, as well as residential care services nationwide, to bring about positive change, whether through advocacy, peer support, co-production or creative projects that empower others.
Speaking on behalf of Cygnet, Raf Hamaizia, Cygnet’s Head of Co-Production and Lived Experience said: “We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors for helping bring the National Lived Experience Awards to life.”
“Their partnership enables us to shine a light on the powerful contributions of those with lived experience and celebrate their stories, strength and impact.”
The 2026 awards promise to be a moving and uplifting occasion, bringing together service users, staff, carers, and supporters from across the country to celebrate individuals who have accessed inpatient or residential support within mental health, learning disability or autism services nationwide.
Award categories include; Outstanding Leadership, Celebrating Diversity, Hope and Positivity, Social Care Star, Community and Collaboration and Individual Progress.
Details of the shortlisted nominees can be found here, with the awards ceremony taking place on 23rd September at Statfold Country Park in Tamworth.