The Shine Awards 2025 — Celebrating Wellbeing, Authenticity, and the Power of Connection

The Shine Awards 2025 were a spectacular evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in mental health and wellbeing across the UK. Hosted by Steps Together in partnership with Claritee, the event brought together some of the most inspiring organisations and individuals leading the way in workplace wellness.

Held at the iconic Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, the awards were nothing short of amazing — for the second year running. Bringing together over 300 people for the UK’s first-ever alcohol-free corporate awards ceremony, the evening proved that it’s possible to celebrate success, connection, and authenticity without compromise. The atmosphere was uplifting and purposeful — a room full of individuals and businesses going the extra mile for the health and wellbeing of their people.

A Night of Inspiration and Impact

Taking place on the eve of World Mental Health Awareness Day, the Shine Awards honoured a series of deserving winners whose dedication to wellness is transforming workplaces across the UK. The energy in the room was palpable — every round of applause, every story shared, every moment of recognition stood as a testament to the life-changing impact we are all striving to make.

I had the great privilege of presenting the Award for Holistic Wellness Integration in the Workplace to the incredibly deserving team at FEDCAP, whose commitment to embedding wellbeing into every layer of their culture truly stood out.

Another standout of the night was Shoorah, a worthy award winner of the Tech for Mental Health category whose work in digital wellbeing continues to empower people to prioritise self-care and mindfulness in their daily lives. Their contribution to modern mental health solutions embodies exactly what the Shine Awards aim to recognise — innovation with heart.

Celebrities Shining a Light on Mental Health

The evening was also filled with heartfelt star power. A number of celebrity guests attended to show their support for mental health awareness and shared their own personal stories with me on the red carpet. These included body positivity advocate & broadcaster Danielle Broadbent, Lady Phyll Opoku, founder of UK Black Pride, UN Women’s Ambassador Shadia Daho, Traitor’s Amanda Lovett and The Real Housewives of Cheshire stars Paige Chohan and Lystra Adams. Their openness about mental health, self-acceptance, and empowerment brought authenticity and relatability to the red carpet — proving that vulnerability can be a source of true strength.

It was a privilege to meet so many of these inspiring individuals and hear their stories firsthand. As someone passionate about wellness and transformation, those moments of honest connection are what make events like the Shine Awards so powerful.

Collaboration, Compassion, and Community

The event also featured an array of uplifting entertainment, delivered by grassroots community organisations from across the North West. Each performance reflected the resilience, creativity, and unity of communities supporting their own wellbeing through shared expression.

Partnering with Claritee to bring this event to life was a brilliant collaboration. Their vision for inclusive, alcohol-free spaces that prioritise authenticity aligns perfectly with the Steps Together ethos — creating environments where people can celebrate their achievements, connect deeply, and feel seen. Together, they created a space where real recognition could happen, shining a light on organisations that are creating healthier, happier workplaces.

Supporting NACOA – The Heart Behind the Event

It was also incredibly important to see NACOA (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) represented and supported during the evening. Their work — often unseen but profoundly impactful — offers a vital lifeline for children growing up in homes affected by alcoholism. Callum Best, NACOA’s proud patron, continues to champion this cause with sincerity and passion. Seeing the charity recognised and supported by the generous fundraising on the night was one of the most moving moments of the event.

A Personal Reflection

As a Wellness Therapist and Retreat Host for my company Glowments Wellness, I’m deeply passionate about supporting those overcoming addiction, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. My work focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their wellbeing through restorative practices and self-care. Being at the Shine Awards — surrounded by changemakers, advocates, and communities united by purpose — felt especially meaningful to me both professionally and personally.

The Shine Awards remind us that wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. When workplaces and communities invest in mental health, they empower people to truly thrive — and that’s where lasting transformation begins.

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Inspire. Influence. Impact.
The Shine Awards 2025 embodied all three — an unforgettable evening that celebrated not just success, but the shared humanity and hope behind it.