There was glitz, glamour and plenty of applause at The Lake House Waterloo when the annual Sefton@Work Stars Awards brought together residents, employers and partners to celebrate some of the borough's most inspiring success stories.

Achievements

These prestigious awards recognise the achievements of people who have overcome challenges, developed new skills, secured employment and transformed their futures with support from Sefton@Work.

Guests gathered to honour outstanding individuals and organisations whose determination, resilience and commitment have helped make a positive difference across Sefton. The event also shone a spotlight on the employers and partners who work alongside Sefton@Work to create opportunities for local people.

Throughout the evening, attendees heard powerful stories of perseverance, ambition and achievement, with awards recognising success in employment, learning, community contribution and inclusive recruitment.

The very best of Sefton

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: "The Sefton@Work Stars Awards are one of the highlights of our year because they celebrate the very best of Sefton."

"Behind every nomination is a story of determination, courage and achievement. Whether it's someone taking their first steps back into work, gaining new qualifications, building confidence or supporting others to succeed, every person recognised here should be incredibly proud."

"These awards demonstrate what can be achieved when talented people are given the right opportunities and support.

“Congratulations to all our nominees and winners and thank you to the employers, partners and Sefton@Work team who help make these success stories possible."

Brighter futures for people across the borough

The ceremony celebrated not only the achievements of local residents but also the employers and organisations that have worked in partnership with Sefton@Work to create jobs, training opportunities and brighter futures for people across the borough.

Among the employer winners were Job and Talent, named Employer of the Year for creating opportunities for more Sefton@Work clients than any other employer during the past year, and Yes Care, which received the Long-Term Partnership Award for its longstanding commitment to supporting local people into meaningful employment.

Other employer award winners included Tab Care, M.S.S. Infrastructure, Diamine Inks Ltd, Excel Housing, The Dock Studio and Skyline, each recognised for their contribution to developing local talent, supporting inclusive recruitment and creating opportunities for Sefton residents.

A special Sefton@Work Champion Award was presented to Ian Edgley from Sefton Libraries in recognition of his unwavering support for the service, including providing work placements and helping make Sefton@Work's support more accessible within local communities.

The evening also celebrated a host of inspirational Sefton@Work clients whose hard work and determination have helped them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

Award winners included Emily Stafford, who received the Strength and Transition Award; Malika Hussaini, winner of the Dedicated Learner Award; Natalie Taylor, who was recognised with the Resilience and Determination Award; and Daniel Vanzly, named Rising Star in Employment.

Further honours went to Hope Gaskin, recipient of the Community Champion Award; Paul Doyle, winner of the Innovation in Role Award for building a successful mosaic art business; and Lucy Costigan, who received the Sustained Success Award after progressing from volunteer to permanent employee.

You can watch the video of the event here.

Embracing new opportunities

Sefton@Work Service Manager Claire Maguire said: "Our Stars Awards are about recognising the incredible achievements of the people, employers and partners we work with every day."

"Each winner has shown what's possible through hard work, determination and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

“We are proud to celebrate their success at this sparkling event and want to thank everyone who plays a part in helping people across Sefton realise their potential."

Award Winners

Employer Awards

• Employer of the Year – Job and Talent
• Long-Term Partnership Award – Yes Care
• Rising Star Employer – Tab Care
• Training and Development Excellence Award – M.S.S. Infrastructure
• Best New Partnership Award – Diamine Inks Ltd
• Champion of Inclusive Recruitment Practices – Excel Housing
• Innovation and Impact Award – The Dock Studio
• Outstanding Social Value Contribution Award – Skyline
• Sefton@Work Champion Award – Ian Edgley, Sefton Libraries

Client Awards

• Strength and Transition Award – Emily Stafford
• Dedicated Learner Award – Malika Hussaini
• Resilience and Determination Award – Natalie Taylor
• Rising Star in Employment Award – Daniel Vanzly
• Community Champion Award – Hope Gaskin
• Innovation in Role Award – Paul Doyle
• Sustained Success Award – Lucy Costigan

Sefton@Work

Sefton@Work supports thousands of residents each year with access to employment, skills development, training and career opportunities. The Stars Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and recognise the positive difference that employment, learning and partnership working make to individuals, families and communities across Sefton.

The event ended with a standing ovation for all nominees and winners, reflecting an evening that celebrated not only individual success but the collective commitment across Sefton to helping people thrive.