Autism Together Awards

We’re pleased to announce that we’re holding our own Awards Night for staff and also to celebrate the achievements of the people we support, along with saying thanks to those who support us too!

The first of what we hope to be an annual event, Autism Together’s Awards Night will be held at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.

This event aims to showcase the exceptional work that our staff carry out daily, while recognising the indispensable contribution of local fundraisers and businesses.

We received well over 300 nominations for our awards, which we worked through until we came up with a three-person shortlist for each award category.

And the finalists are…

Direct Support Staff Member of the Year Sponsored by Marsh

• Bola Awokunle Atitebi
• Siobhan McCall
• Karen Watson

Non-Direct Support Staff Member of the Year Sponsored by Beever and Struthers

• Paul Harvey
• Cath Harvey
• Joe Peters

Team Impact of the Year
Sponsored by Leverhulme

• Staffing
• Bromborough Pool Garden Centre
• Ravenswood

Co-Production Award
Sponsored by Argyle Taxis

• Mike Gallagher
• Melissa Higgins/ Keton Hanson
• Claire Quinlan

Personal Goal Award
Sponsored by Elite Group

• Kane D
• Adam B
• Josie T

Fundraiser of the Year
Sponsored by Bramhalls

• Julie Ellsmoor
• Michael Ellsworth
• Merseyside Ghostbusters

Business Supporter of the Year Sponsored by Wirral Chamber of Commerce

• Lidl Bromborough
• West Wallasey
• M&S Bank

Manager of the Year
Sponsored by Gallagher

• Trudie Konrad
• Kathy Povey
• Emma Turner

Newcomer of the Year
Sponsored by Amore Social Care

• Beth Evans
• Dianne Dennis
• Stephy Sebastian

Dedicated Service Award
Sponsored by Warwick Investments

• Sue Lee
• Gaynor Partridge
• Carl Kipling

A huge thank you to our corporate supporters who have sponsored our awards. Their continued support makes a huge difference to our charity and the success of our awards.

Gallagher

“Gallagher are delighted to be supporting Autism Together in recognising the hard work and dedication of its staff. The work Autism Together and their staff do makes such a significant difference to so many individuals, providing the support and tools to live life to the fullest.

“No one person or their needs are the same and this is something Autism Together and their staff truly understand and embrace.

“Good luck to all those nominated, you all do an incredible job.”

Paula Capell, National Development Manager, Gallagher

Bramhalls

“We have worked with Autism Together for a number of years now and, due to the close working relationship we have developed, we have been able to see first-hand the importance of the work undertaken by the charity and its employees.

“We wanted to support this event to emphasise the vital work the charity does, both internally and with external organisations, and to highlight the integral part the team plays in the lives of the people they support.

“Autism Together is a valued employer on the Wirral and we look forward to continuing to support the charity in the future.”

Cerys Jones, Office Manager, Bramhalls

Beever and Struthers

“Autism Together has been working for over 50 years with a philosophy based on focusing on what people can do, not what they can’t, and on recognising the strengths of each individual.

“At Beever and Struthers, our values include respecting others, working together to achieve better, and putting colleagues and clients at the heart of all we do. The Autism Together Awards demonstrate this shared commitment to valuing people and recognising their efforts and success. We’re delighted to support both this event and the wonderful, person-centred hard work of all the staff at Autism Together.”

Helen Armstrong, Partner, Beever and Struthers

Elite Group

“At Elite Group, our mission extends beyond providing top-tier copy and print solutions in the Wirral area. We believe in making a meaningful contribution to our community, and this event aligns perfectly with our vision.

“Our customers have placed their trust in us as a dependable supplier, and we are eager to give back to the community that supports us. After witnessing the remarkable dedication of Autism Together’s team, and the extraordinary efforts you invest in serving your clients, we were deeply inspired. Your commitment mirrors our own values of excellence and service.

“Supporting your event is more than a corporate responsibility for us. It’s a way to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and impact your organisation has in our community. We are committed to helping you achieve your goals, believing that in doing so, we contribute to the betterment of the area we proudly serve.

“We look forward to a successful event and a lasting partnership.”

Liam Walsh, Director, Elite Group LCA

Amore Social Care

“We have worked with Autism Together for many years now, having provided contingency staffing across multiple services on the Wirral over the last few years.

“We are looking forward to giving thanks and celebrating the incredible hard work of the staff at Autism Together, highlighting the amazing skills of their staff that ensure their services reach their full potential.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Newcomer of the Year Award’ to recognise an outstanding individual who may be in the early stages of their career, or switched paths to a new role, though is already making an incredible impact in their field.”

Lisa Daley, Branch Manager, Amore Social Care

Wirral Chamber of Commerce

“Embracing diversity and inclusion is not just a commitment; it is a celebration of the unique talents and contributions that individuals on the autism spectrum bring to our community.

“We are proud to support the Autism Together Awards 2023. We champion a culture that values every person, recognizing the extraordinary potential within each one.”

Paula Basnett, Chair, Wirral Chamber of Commerce

West Wallasey

“West Wallasey is a leading supplier of bespoke light commercial vehicles, cars, minibuses and 4×4 across the UK. The company operates a fleet of 18,000 vehicles supporting a wide range of industry, infrastructure projects, local councils, and government organisations.

“The company prides itself on environmental sustainability and powers its operation using onsite wind turbines. It is also a market leader in zero emission electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, which it is introducing across its customer base.

“Community is at the core of West Wallasey’s business, from the over 300 local people it employs to the local community projects it supports. West Wallasey is a Founder Patron of The Hive (Wirral Youth Zone), a proud and longstanding supporter of Autism Together, and a prominent sponsor of many other charitable organisations and youth clubs across the borough.”

Paul Kenny, Director, West Wallasey

Marsh

“In light of our experience during a recent volunteering day, we are proud to sponsor this award.

“Our goal is to acknowledge and celebrate the commendable efforts and contributions of both employees and volunteers who have devoted their time and energy to creating a positive impact within their communities.”

Stacey Jones, Senior Marketing Executive, Marsh