And the winners are….
5 mins read
Monday 24 November 2025
Tonight we hosted the final ceremony of the Contact Awards 2025 in the Palace of Westminster in London.
Families, Contact staff and other supporters got together to celebrate all the finalists and nominees, who really showed the best of what families with disabled children do for each other.
And we’re delighted that we can now announce our winners!
Parent Carer Award
Lynsey McLuckie from Scotland
Although Lynsey’s daughter is just six years old, she has come such a long way not just in advocating for her own family but to support other families whose children have Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Our judging panel felt Lynsey’s story exemplifies how many parents experience Contact – first benefiting from our information and advice, then finding a community to engage with, and then using her growing confidence to share her own experience and offer support and confidence to others.
Change Maker Award
Alma White from Derry, Northern Ireland
We loved Alma’s solution-focused approach and utter determination to make change happen. The judging panel also noted that the opportunity for making policy change happen in NI over the past few years has been particularly difficult as there has been no government sitting in Stormont. The work of voluntary organisations and civil society has been really important.
We are delighted that Contact has supported Alma in her amazing influencing work, providing a UK-wide context and making her feel part of a community of Change Makers.
Proudest Moment Award
Stephen Kelly from Polegate/Lewes
We felt that what was powerful about their story went far beyond a particular moment, but to the incredible, supportive family they are together. We loved how Louise talked about her son – that he gives her the insight she needs to foster other disabled children better, that she could not do what she does without him by her side.
It reminded the panelists of something hugely powerful – that our children’s disability can be our strength and can help us do and be more than we would otherwise have done or been.
Sibling Award
Raphael Chiwandire from London
The judging panel recognised how Raphael shows resilience and an extraordinary level of maturity far beyond his years. Despite sometimes not getting enough rest himself, Raphael never complains. He always shows up each day with compassion and understanding for his brother’s additional needs.
His mum has type 1 diabetes and has periods where is she quite unwell. Raphael steps in without hesitation, helping to care for her, and takes on extra responsibilities with his brother.
Grandparents Award
Emma Steel from Doncaster
The judging panel were particularly impressed by how Emma had made changes to her own life to support her family and her community.
“She is more than a grandparent: she is a lifeline, an advocate, and a daily source of strength.”
An incredible grandparent and really powerful advocate for Contact too.
Friendship Award
Sends4dad, a support group set up by Paul Meadows
The judging panel liked the fact that Sends4Dad brings dads together to share and learn from each other and find new friendships. We loved that this group focused on dads, who are so often missed out. And we liked the practical support, i.e. events, individual support etc. that helped the dads build friendships.
We are pleased that Contact is able to support groups like this across the country. We are grateful for Sends4dad speaking at a recent Contact seminar to raise awareness of the particular experiences SEND dads face.
Special Recognition Award
And at the ceremony, we announced a surprise seventh Special Recognition Award winner.
At Contact our mission is clear: to end the battle. The Special Recognition Award exemplifies that mission and is given to an individual whose commitment shines a light on injustice.
We felt there is no person more deserving of this honour than…
Andrew Turner
Andrew’s journey began with a simple goal: to use his son Mikey’s Child Trust Fund savings for an adapted bike, offering Mikey joy and freedom. What Andrew discovered was a frustrating and overly burdensome process.
Andrew refused to accept that over 80,000 disabled young people should face such a battle.
He transformed that personal frustration into the powerful campaign that Contact supports. His efforts have been tireless, and we are so proud to be working alongside him.
Because of Andrew’s efforts, along with others like One Family and renaissance Legal and Lord Young, the government have confirmed their ‘impetus’ to resolve this issue. If they do, £210 million will be released to disabled young people. Andrew is a powerful example of the impact that a determined parent can have.
Our inspiring finalists
Congratulations to all our finalists – our judging panel had a grueling task because you are all brilliant!
You can read all our finalist’s stories in our awards brochure.
