Celebrating the exceptional staff making Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust Safer, Kinder and Better
The dedication and achievements of staff from across Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) have been celebrated at their annual staff awards.
The Safer, Kinder, Better Awards, which were held at Kesgrave in Suffolk on Thursday 11 December 2025, recognises the outstanding contributions of staff to make NSFT a safer, kinder and better organisation.
This is the second year the awards have been held. Judges selected 65 finalists from a record 690 nominations, but there could only be 20 winners.
There were two double award winners on the night. Annah Mhlanga-Chirimuta, Ward Manager, Sandringham Ward, Central Norfolk won the Engaging and Inspiring Staff Award for being 'the kind of leader who not only engages but truly inspires, transforming everyday work into a place of purpose, learning and mutual respect.' She has been recognised for creating a welcoming environment on the ward and is a valued and respected figure within her team.
Meanwhile Talent Beiley, Interim Associate Director of Nursing, Northside House, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, was a joint winner for the Rising Star Award. Talent's inclusive approach has transformed engagement across forensic services to ensure minority voices are now heard. She shows a remarkable ability to navigate high-stakes situations while fostering a culture of safety and collaboration.
Both Annah and Talent then went on to win the overall Chairs Award recognising the exceptional contribution they make to a safer, kinder and better NSFT.
Zoë Billingham, NSFT Chair, said: "I am incredibly proud of all the staff working hard every day across the Trust to provide safer, better and kinder services to those who need it most. These awards are a wonderful way to highlight just some of those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and care, often going above and beyond to ensure our service users are at the heart of what we do. I would like to congratulate all our nominees, finalists and winners for their achievements."
Caroline Donovan, NSFT Chief Executive, said: "The Safer, Kinder, Better Staff Awards is a highlight of my year. I have heard so many inspiring stories of excellent practice, care and teamwork, making it incredibly difficult to select just 20 winners from hundreds of nominations. This event not only highlights the exceptional work taking place within NSFT, but it also demonstrates how our staff are committed to improving our services for all. Congratulations to everyone for their well-deserved awards."
All our other winners are listed below:
Partnership Award
· Suffolk ADHD Children and Adults
Our Suffolk ADHD Team has demonstrated outstanding leadership, collaboration, and patient centred innovation through their partnership with primary care colleagues. Together they have transformed the ADHD pathway to make sure more than 3,000 service users can receive timely, sustainable care.
EVI (Efficiency, Value and Improvement) Award
- Wedgwood Acute Wards - Abbeygate, Northgate & Southgate, Wedgwood Bury, West Suffolk
Abbeygate, Northgate and Southgate Wards collected their award for working brilliantly together to significantly reduce their use of restrictive interventions while maintaining the highest safety standards. The team's success in providing the least-restrictive, person-centred care which balances safety with dignity is now being shared across the Trust as a model of best practice.
Service User and Carer Award - joint winners
- Debbie Brown, Participant/Expert by Experience, Great Yarmouth and Waveney
Debbie's contributions have created a lasting impact across the Trust after sparking meaningful reflection and a commitment to improvement at the highest level. She has played an instrumental role in shaping the Carers Charter and has used her insight to help shape CAMHS webinars for families on waiting lists.
- Particip8!
Particip8 have made an enormous difference over the past year by making sure the voices of young people are heard and can play an active role in shaping service development. The group has spearheaded several co-produced intiaitives during the past year, including improving our young people's participation webpage, contributing to podcasts and sitting on interview panels.
Non-clinical Team of the Year Award
- West Norfolk Adult CMHT Admin Team, Chatterton House, West Norfolk
Over the past year, the team has worked hard to ensure service users can receive uninterrupted continuity of care during challenging periods, such as staff shortages and increased demand. Their positive and collaborative nature has regularly seen them go the extra mile to help solve problems and support their colleagues.
Unsung Hero Award (Non-clinical)
- Emma Graveling - Listening into Action Project Support Manager
Emma is described as an absolute superstar who has played a vital role in making NSFT safer, kinder and better through her tireless involvement with Listening into Action. She has worked with 24 pioneering teams and helped deliver more than 250 quick wins to make positive improvements across the Trust.
The Haley Gosling Support in Recovery Award
- Michelle Hutton, Assistant Practitioner, Riverview House, East Suffolk
Michelle has been recognised for consistently putting NSFT's service users at the heart of everything she does. Unwaveringly kind and thoughtful, Michelle's work ethic is inspirational, and she always goes above and beyond to support both service users and colleagues alike.
Innovation and Improvement Award
- The In-reach / out-reach team, Carlton Court, Great Yarmouth and Waveney
The team has been recognised for leading a highly successful quality improvement project to significantly improve the inpatient experience for people with dementia. By embedding person-centred practice into dementia care they have been improving people's quality of life.
Inclusion Award
- Percy Mupemhi, Operations Manager, Older Adults, GYW Carlton Court / Northgate Hospital, Great Yarmouth and Waveney
Percy collected his award for his remarkable and inclusive leadership style, and for fostering a culture where every voice is valued. Percy has been described as an agent for change and has taken part in initiatives such as the Race Equality Conference and reverse mentoring.
TALK Award - joint winners
- Paulette Kirton, Liaison and Diversion Practitioner
Paulette has received her award for 'living and breathing' NSFT's values; We are a Team, we are Accountable, we Learn and improve, and we are Kind. Paulette has demonstrated how she goes the extra mile for her service users and team.
- Northside House team
The Secure Services Team went above and beyond for their service users when Northgate House was left without water, working extra hours and carrying gallons of water to keep the unit running smoothly.
Clinical Team of the Year Award
- Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service WEST (SCAMHS WEST), West Suffolk
The team have been recognised for the enormous difference they have made to the lives of countless young people after reducing waiting times for routine assessments from more than 52 weeks to just 28 days.
Unsung Hero Award (Clinical)
- Jamie Durrance-Clarke, Consultant Psychologist and Multiprofessional Approved Clinician - Kestrel Ward, Hellesdon Central Norfolk
Jamie shows extraordinary dedication to her role as NSFT's first and only multiprofessional approved clinician, providing support and advice which makes a difference every day.
Rising Star Award (joint winner with Talent Bailey)
- Holly Stephens, Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, County Hall, Corporate Services
Holly empowers colleagues to voice issues that might otherwise go unheard, in turn contributing to improvements in workplace culture and patient safety. Through her determination and compassion, she has ensured that staff feel safe and supported to raise issues, knowing they will be heard and responded to.