Publish date: 29 October 2026
An employment support service that helps people across Lancashire and South Cumbria that are experiencing mental health difficulties has triumphed at a national awards event.
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service and people it supports won two titles and several runner-up prizes at the National IPS Grow Awards 2026 in London last week.
From more than 300 applications, the service received an impressive collection of awards, including:
- Achievement through IPS – Winner: Abi Dickson
- Team of the Year – Winner: Central and West Lancashire Team
- Innovation in IPS – Runner-up: Lancashire and South Cumbria
- Outstanding Partnership Award – Runner-up: Lancashire and South Cumbria Central and West Team
- Rising Star Award – Runner-up: Rachel Clarke
- Achievement through IPS – Runner-up: Melissa Petcher
- Team of the Year – Runner-up: Lancashire and South Cumbria Service
Fleur Carney, Director of Strategic Commissioning at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), which commissions the service, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for an incredible team. To receive national recognition across so many categories really reflects the passion, commitment and innovation they bring to their work every day.
“IPS is about much more than finding someone a job. Meaningful employment can play an important part in a person’s recovery, confidence and independence. These awards recognise both the difference the team makes to individuals and the strength of the partnerships that make that possible across Lancashire and South Cumbria.”
IPS across Lancashire and South Cumbria is provided by Blackpool Council, working closely with NHS partners across primary and secondary care. Strong partnership working with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust has supported the integration of IPS with secondary care mental health teams from the outset.
The Central and West Lancashire team also holds an ‘Exemplary’ IPS fidelity rating and the IPS Quality Mark.
Behind the awards are individual stories of recovery, confidence and achievement. Abi and Melissa reflected on what IPS, and being recognised at the national awards, has meant to them.
Abi Dickson, from Windermere, winner of the Achievement through IPS Award, said: “I am so proud of everything I have achieved with the help and support of IPS. When I came out of hospital, I had no idea my life could look like it does now.
“I am so lucky to have had IPS and the support that I have had.”
Melissa Petcher, from Barrow-in-Furness, runner-up in the Achievement through IPS Award, said: “Being shortlisted for the Achievement through IPS Award was a prize in itself because I have been recognised for the progress I have made and I am very proud. This time 12 months ago I couldn’t have imagined travelling to London with the team for the work that I have done, but having IPS with me each step of the way has given me more confidence, not only at work but in other parts of my life.
“Having support from IPS has meant I have not only gained a job I love, but one that I am succeeding in. Thank you IPS!"
