NSFT celebrates success at the 2025 Mental Health Awards
Pictured: Jodie Millard, Staff Health and Wellbeing Manager at NSFT, and Trevor Stevens, a lived experience partner at NSFT.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is celebrating after two members of staff and one of its lived experience partners were recognised at the Mental Health Awards 2025, which honour outstanding contributions to improving mental health care across the UK.
The national awards celebrate successful interventions and inspirational stories of recovery, highlighting the compassion, innovation and dedication shown by those making a difference to people's lives.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held in Reading on Thursday, 9 October, with three people connected to NSFT shortlisted across several categories.
Trevor Stevens was named winner of the 'Inspirational Story' Award for his exceptional contribution through his courageous and generous sharing of lived experience following the tragic death of his daughter, Tobi, who was in the Trust's care in 2020.
Since then, Trevor has worked with Making Families Count, a national organisation that supports families affected by serious incidents in health and social care, partnering with NSFT on initiatives such as the Listening into Action Think Family and Carer programme. His work has helped to shape meaningful improvements in how the Trust involves families and carers in care and decision-making. In a letter to Trevor, the Awards organisers said: "The judges were very moved by your story and the impact it has on others."
Trevor said: "Even to be nominated for the award was a surprise, so when I won I felt very honoured, especially alongside many who have used their own mental health struggles to help others.
"The recognition of my efforts makes me optimistic that I can make a difference and encourages me to continue to work with NSFT to support families who deserve to be given the chance to help their loved ones and keep them alive."
Jodie Millard, NSFT's Staff Health and Wellbeing Manager, was named winner of the 'Nominate a Professional' Award.
Jodie has led several highly successful health and wellbeing campaigns with measurable results, introducing long-term initiatives to support colleagues. These include the award-winning Menopause Aware programme, Menstrual Health, Get Active, Get Outdoors and Get Better Sleep campaigns, as well as a one-page wellbeing toolkit. She has also grown the network of volunteer Wellbeing Champions to more than 280 colleagues across the Trust.
Jodie said she was "absolutely delighted" to receive the award. "At NSFT, we've worked hard to create a culture where staff wellbeing is seen as fundamental to providing the best possible care for our service users. Knowing that these initiatives are making a difference means a lot, and I'm so proud to be part of a Trust that recognises the importance of looking after its people."
Dr Jo Baines, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director of Psychology - West Suffolk Children and Young People Service, was named a finalist for the 'Innovative Mental Health Intervention' Award.
Jo and her team developed the IDEAS intervention to better support young people with complex emotional needs. The approach has been so effective it is now part of NSFT's core offer across Suffolk, with plans to expand into Norfolk.
Cath Byford, Chief Patient Experience Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are incredibly proud of Trevor, Jodie and Jo for this fantastic national recognition. They have shown extraordinary commitment and compassion in helping us improve the way we care for both our service users and our staff.
"Their achievements demonstrate the positive change that comes from listening to lived experience, supporting our people's wellbeing, and embracing innovation in mental health care."
The Mental Health Awards are a celebration of successful interventions and inspirational stories of people who have experienced recovery. For more information about the 2025 event, please visit: 2025 UK Award Winners | The Mental Health Awards