For a third consecutive year, People First invited guests from across Cumbria to celebrate the People First Awards.
Held at The Halston Hotel, Carlisle, it was truly a night to remember as learners from the People First Academy marked their achievements and richly deserved qualifications alongside sponsors of the event, including the headline sponsor,Borderway Finance.
With over 200 people in the room, from local businesses to learners loved ones, the marking of incredible triumphs was felt by everyone.
The evening also featured a talk from Jill Johnston from The Cumberland, who shared powerful insights on what it means to be an inclusive employer in action. Jill spoke on the importance of creating workplaces where everyone feels valued and able to contribute, and how inclusion must be embedded in our everyday culture, not just policy.
The awards marked an exciting new chapter for Creating Careers – People First’s innovative supported employment initiative – as People First begin to expand the programme into West Cumbria and south into Westmorland and Furness.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation, Cumbria Tourism and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this initiative puts partnership at the heart of its work in supporting people with a learning disability and/or autistic people to prepare for and succeed in the workplace.
“The stories we’ve celebrated tonight show the real, lasting impact of the People First Academy,” said David Blacklock, CEO of People First.
“It’s vital that we continue to expand our Creating Careers offer so that more people can access the same opportunities to work and live independently. Everyone deserves that chance, and it’s clear to see that our approach is working.”
Over the next 12 months, People First will be hitting the ground running out West, supporting eight candidates into new placements – helping them gain invaluable experience to bring them one step closer to achieve paid employment. Fittingly, this exciting new milestone falls on the anniversary of another: the start of People First’s 35th year.
Mike Dean, Managing Director at Borderway Finance, and Headline Sponsor shared;
“We’re delighted to have been asked to be headline sponsors for this amazing event for the 3rd consecutive year. Seeing the progress the learners have made towards building their future, supported by the team at People First is truly inspiring.
Congratulations to them all for their achievements and to People First for supporting them on their journeys.”
The full list of award winners and their sponsors are:
- William Sewell: Learner of the Year Award sponsored by Pirelli
- Carlisle Brass: Placement of the Year Award sponsored by Cumbria Tourism
- Ben Herring: Learners Choice Award sponsored by PrintPoint
- Phillip Bliss: Increased Confidence Award sponsored by Mark Nield Wealth Management
- Kallum Lowther: Most Improved Award sponsored by Thomas Graham
- Ethan Tweedie: Rising Star Award sponsored by Inter-Fresh
- North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC): Shining Example Award sponsored by The Cumberland
- Emma Dobie: Professional Services Award sponsored by David Allen IT
- Abi Ng: Team Player Award sponsored by Cartmell Shepherd
- Jordan Stanger: Above & Beyond Award sponsored by Dodd & Co
- Rhys Cowen: Self Advocacy Award sponsored by Heatons Group
- Jonathan Eddington: Deeper Connections Award sponsored by the Northern Centre for Cancer Care and Newcastle Hospitals Charity
- Graduates from the People First Learner’s Programmes: Kieran Little, Abi Ng, Ben Herring, Elizabeth Kavanah, Joseph Byrne, Ellie-May Graham, Emily Kriese, Natalie Davidson, Connie Dodds, Kallum Lowther, Stuart Irving, Mia Jepkes, William Sewell
We are profoundly grateful to all our sponsors who made this year's event possible.
To find out more about the People First Awards or opportunities for business partnerships, contact [email protected]
Congratulations to all our 2025 graduates and award winners.