Rebuilding Lives Awards
Our Rebuilding Lives Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and groups in the spinal cord injury community, who inspire others through their work, volunteering, services, support or raising awareness.
The awards categories and nominations uphold SIA’s values – collaborative, compassionate, courageous and inclusive – and represent some of the many heroes supporting the vision in our 2030 strategy for a fulfilled life for everyone affected by a spinal cord injury.
The 2026 award categories are:
Outstanding SCI Team of the Year Award: This award is presented to a team that has made a significant difference to SCI care, treatment, or the lives of spinal cord injured people, whether it’s in a clinical setting (healthcare, rehabilitation, behind the scenes staff) at community groups, via legal or support services, or at another other SCI setting. The team should be 10 people or less.
Frank Williams Academy SCI Educator and Mentor Excellence Award: Honouring an educator, mentor, or supervisor whose guidance, inclusive teaching or collaborative support nurture excellence across the SCI sector. This award celebrates the inspirational aspect of learning and growth within a professional setting.
Campaigning for Change Award: This award celebrates someone who drives bold, courageous advocacy, grounded in lived experience, to campaign for change and improved outcomes for people with SCI.
SIA Rising Star Award: This award is for someone who is relatively new to the sector but already shining. It will be presented to someone who has gone above and beyond in their role, in a specialist SCI setting. To qualify as a ‘rising star’ they cannot have worked in the sector for more than five years.
Nominations for the Rebuilding Lives Awards 2026 open in April
A judging panel will review nominees and decide on finalists, who will be notified. The winners will be announced at the Rebuilding Lives Awards and dinner on the evening of Thursday 1 October 2026. Attendance at the awards and dinner is included in the conference ticket price.
2025 winners and finalists:
Baroness Masham award
- Allison Whitehorn – Winner
- David Holmes
- Nathalie McGloin
Presented to a person with spinal cord injury who has shown an incredible level of dedication and commitment to making positive changes for the SCI community.
Frank Williams Academy healthcare professional of the year award
- Chris Paton – Winner
- Lauren Nellins
- Ahmad Saif
Presented to an experienced, outstanding healthcare professional (from any medical setting) who has gone above and beyond their role and made a significant difference to the SCI community.
Outstanding team of the year award
- Aspire Welfare Benefits Team – Winner
- East of England SCI Team
- VIM Health
Presented to a team that has made a significant difference to SCI care or treatment – whether it’s in a clinical setting (healthcare, rehabilitation, behind the scenes staff), at community groups or at any other SCI setting.
Champion of the year award (nominations made internally by SIA)
- Dani Czernuszka-Watts – Winner
- Trish Brookes
- Raquel Siganporia
Presented to a member or organisation within SIA’s network. Nominations could be to a volunteer, partner (company or individual), any other individual or organisation working with SIA to raise the voice of spinal cord injury, improve access to appropriate care and support for people with SCI or further the work of SIA’s strategic aims.
