This year’s All About Aspens Annual Staff Conference and Awards Ceremony was a truly inspiring occasion, bringing together our incredible team from across the charity.

Centred around our core values of Empowerment, Inclusivity and Integrity, it was a chance to connect, collaborate and celebrate the dedication and commitment that drives our work as we strive towards our mission of providing high-quality support and empowering autistic individuals and those with a learning disability, and their families.

The day began with an insightful and interactive Q & A panel session about driving inclusion in social care. Featuring guest panelist Pete Wharmby, an autistic author, along with a person we support and members of our team, the session was thought-provoking and informative. 

A highlight of the day was the powerful keynote speech by Jessica-Jane Applegate, an autistic Gold medal-winning Paralympian swimmer, who gave an inspiring talk about her story, from taking up swimming at a young age, to breaking a world record at the age of 16 and going on to win multiple Paralympic medals and be awarded an MBE. Jessica spoke passionately about perseverance and following one’s dreams.

A huge thanks to Jessica-Jane and Pete for their inspirational and informative contributions to our conference.

In the afternoon, our attendees were inspired by members of the People’s Voice Forum, with Andrew and Tony hosting an interactive session about communication, with supporter Gary Haynes. Brave volunteers were set the challenge of communicating phrases to the audience using actions only. 

This was followed by an interesting talk about Aspens' new Aspire booklet, a resource for the people we support, which aims to empower and work towards greater independence. The day finished with a video of a wonderful performance by our Roebuck Day Opportunities drama group.

As evening fell, the focus turned to recognising outstanding contributions from our team at our Annual Awards Ceremony. From frontline staff making a direct difference in people’s lives to behind-the-scenes teams ensuring our work runs smoothly, every nominee and winner represented the passion and dedication that define Aspens. Their achievements remind us why we do what we do – and the power of teamwork in making it possible.

Congratulations to all our finalists and winners, listed below, as well as to all those (nearly 200 in total!) who were nominated.

Robert Shanahan, CEO said: “This event is a testament to the passion, resilience, and dedication of our incredible team. We are so proud of the work we do together and look forward to another year of making a real difference in the lives of the people we support.”

Enormous thanks to Fairdeal Windows, who sponsored our Trustee’s Award, to Camellia Taylor, our patron, who presented the Volunteer of the Year Award, to Neil Frost who provided our live music and disco, to Darza Productions for their videography, Nicky Todd for photography and to everyone who attended, contributed, organised and helped make the event such a success.

Your hard work, commitment, and collaboration are what drive Aspens forward. We look forward to another year of working together to make an even greater impact.

All About Aspens Awards 2025 - Winners and Finalists

Difference Maker

Winner: Holly Turner, Support Worker

Finalists: Bobbie Gorringe, Ollie Meakins

Inspiring Leader

Winner: Paula Taylor, Service Manager

Finalists: Atherly Sutton, Nikki Wells

Inclusivity Champion

Winner: Kim Fellows, Senior Support Worker

Finalists: Kirsten Bennetts, Gary Haynes

Empowerment Champion

Winner: Angela Shaw, Senior Support Worker

Finalists: Kelsey Fazackerley, Becky Teles-Amaro

Integrity Champion

Winner: Joe Waylett, Keyworker

Finalists: Charlotte Cunningham, Claire Garton

Promising Newcomer

Winner: Lekan Aribidesi, Support Worker

Finalists: Roisin Arnold, Sylvia Nnaneme 

Collaboration Star

Winner: Darren Stevens, Estates Manager

Finalists: Jo Dennis, Dael Erlank

Creative Genius

Winner: Jakki Stevens, Head of Quality and Compliance

Finalists: Stacie Lee-Cooper, Natalie Wickenden

Employee of the year

Winner: Sue Simpson, Payroll and Processing Manager

Finalists: Jason Bennett, Ruth Campbell

Volunteer of the year

Winner: Sally Mackenzie, Volunteer

Finalists: Neave Fry, Marcus Kemp

The Trustee's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aspens

(sponsored by Fairdeal Windows)

Winner: The Briars team