Safeguarding champions recognised at inaugural awards ceremony
Dedicated professionals and teams who make a difference to the lives of vulnerable adults were recognised at a special safeguarding awards ceremony hosted by St Helens Borough Council.
Article date: 18 September 2026
Held at the BrewDog Stadium, the inaugural event celebrated outstanding practice, innovation and commitment across the borough's adult social care sector.
Bringing together colleagues from health, social care, the voluntary sector and care providers, the event recognised those who have gone above and beyond to support residents, promote independence and safeguard those most at risk.
Councillor Eileen Fleming, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, was among those in attendance to hand out awards.
Councillor Fleming said: "Every day, dedicated professionals make a real difference to the lives of residents and their families. Their compassion, commitment and dedication often go unseen, yet the impact they have can be truly life changing.
"The stories shared throughout the day were inspiring and showcased the very best of adult social care. They also served as a reminder that safeguarding is everyone's business, and that protecting and supporting vulnerable adults is a responsibility we all share.
"I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and thank them for their continued commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
Award winners included:
The Unsung Hero Award: Marion Abbott, Red Robin Home Care
Marion was recognised for more than 30 years of dedicated service in care, supporting vulnerable adults with kindness, compassion and professionalism. Having spent over 15 years with Red Robin Home Care, she was praised for her consistent commitment to helping people maintain their dignity, independence and wellbeing.
The Trauma-Informed Practice Award: Jodie Rigby, Mersey Care
Jodie received the award for her exceptional trauma-informed approach when supporting individuals experiencing domestic abuse and other complex safeguarding issues. Her compassionate and non-judgemental support has helped vulnerable people remain engaged with services and access the help they need.
The Dignity and Respect in Practice Award: Shelley Dempsey and Beth Lake, Making Space Sherdley Court
Shelley and Beth were recognised for their unwavering commitment to ensuring residents are treated with dignity and respect. Their work supporting vulnerable individuals through complex circumstances has empowered residents to make informed choices while maintaining their independence and wellbeing.
The Safety Through Prevention Award: St Helens Homeless Health Team, Mersey Care
The team was recognised for its outstanding work supporting people experiencing homelessness and complex needs. Through strong partnership working and a person-centred approach, the team has successfully helped some of the borough's most vulnerable residents achieve safer and more stable living situations.
The Above and Beyond Award: Alison Dillon, St Helens Borough Council
Alison was recognised for her exceptional dedication to supporting vulnerable adults, often providing advice, reassurance and practical support whenever it was needed. Her patience and determination have helped individuals access the right services and improve their circumstances.
The Courage in Safeguarding Award: Margaret McGing, St Helens Borough Council
Margaret was honoured for her courageous advocacy on behalf of residents, consistently challenging barriers and promoting people's rights to ensure they receive the support they need. The award was accepted on her behalf by Jane Rimmer.
The Compassion in Practice Award: Novi Rodgers, Lumina Care
Novi received recognition for his outstanding commitment to service users and colleagues. Inspired to join the care sector following personal experience caring for his father, he has earned a reputation for going above and beyond to support others.
The Safeguarding Through Leadership and Influence Award: James Mawhinney, Change, Grow, Live (CGL)
James was recognised for his leadership in improving understanding of ketamine-related harms and strengthening safeguarding responses locally and nationally. His work has brought together health, social care and criminal justice partners to improve outcomes for vulnerable people.
The Safeguarding Through Professional Curiosity Award: Kate Frodsham, Red Robin Home Care
Kate was praised for her exceptional attention to detail and commitment to identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. Her vigilance and professionalism have helped ensure vulnerable adults receive appropriate support at the earliest opportunity.
Team of the Year Award: Tenancy Sustainment Team, Torus
The team was recognised for embedding safeguarding into every aspect of its work. Through prompt interventions, effective partnership working and a strong "Think Family" approach, the team continues to improve outcomes for residents across the borough.
Chair's Award: The evening concluded with the presentation of the Chair's Award to Glynis O'Brien from Safe2Speak.
Glynis was recognised for her outstanding contribution to domestic abuse services in St Helens over more than 30 years. Throughout her career she has supported thousands of survivors and their families, mentored colleagues, delivered specialist training and helped strengthen safeguarding arrangements across the borough.
Widely respected by both service users and professionals, Glynis was praised for her compassion, expertise and unwavering commitment to helping people live lives free from abuse.
Geoffrey Appleton, independent chair of the Adult Safeguarding Board for the local authority area, said:
"These awards recognise the incredible dedication, professionalism and compassion shown every day by those working across adult social care, health and partner organisations in St Helens Borough.
"The individuals and teams honoured have demonstrated what outstanding safeguarding looks like in practice, putting people at the heart of everything they do and helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community to live safer and more independent lives.
"It has been inspiring to hear the stories behind the nominations and to celebrate the positive difference that these professionals make. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their commitment to supporting and safeguarding adults across the borough."
St Helens Borough Council's adult social care services are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Within this assessment, the specific quality statement for safeguarding was awarded a score of 3 out of 4, which aligns directly with a Good standard of performance. Inspectors found that the local authority has effective safeguarding procedures in place to protect vulnerable residents once a concern is raised.