We are celebrating an incredible double achievement, having been nominated for and won awards in recognition of our outstanding work in health and well-being for people with learning disabilities and autism.
At the Sheffield Care Excellence Awards, held on February 13th, 2025, Sharmistha Bal, our Physical Health Coordinator, won the Sheffield Care Excellence Award (Voluntary Sector) for her commitment to improving health outcomes. Additionally, Sheffield Mencap and Gateway was honoured with a nomination at the Smiley Charity Film Awards for our impactful film, ‘Supporting Learning Disability Patients: Easy Changes’.
Sheffield Care Excellence Awards
Hosted by Sheffield City Council’s Adult Health and Social Care team, the Sheffield Cares Excellence Awards celebrated the city’s most dedicated carers. Sponsored by Sheffield Hallam University, Tomato Energy, The University of Sheffield, and Community Youth Services, the event recognised individuals and organisations making a real difference in the care sector.
With 17,500 people working in social care in Sheffield, and a 23% increase in demand expected by 2035, these awards highlighted the vital work of health and care professionals.
Sheffield Mencap and Gateway was commended for its innovative approach to health education, advocacy, and support, ensuring that people with learning disabilities can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
A standout moment of the evening was Sharmistha Bal’s award win, recognising her exceptional contributions to health equality and support for people with learning disabilities.
It is an honour to be recognised for this work. Our team at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway is committed to ensuring that people with learning disabilities have access to the support they need to stay healthy. This award is for all of us! Sharmistha Bal
Sharmistha receiving her award
The Sheffield Care Excellence Awards
Smiley Charity Film Awards
We were also thrilled to be nominated at the Smiley Charity Film Awards for our film, ‘Supporting Learning Disability Patients: Easy Changes’. You can watch the film here.
The film was created as part of a series to help healthcare professionals provide better support to learning disability patients, offering simple, effective adjustments that can improve health outcomes. The film was funded by the South Yorkshire Community Fund and co-produced with people with learning disabilities to ensure its authenticity.
Health Services Senior Manager Kelly Daubney said:
We designed this video to be short, engaging, and full of easily actionable steps that busy healthcare professionals can implement straight away. It’s an honour to have been nominated, and we hope the film continues to reach more people, improving healthcare practices across the UK.
While we did not take home the award, it was an honour to be nominated alongside some of the most impactful cause-based films in the country.
Health team members Emma and Kate had a fantastic time representing Sheffield Mencap and Gateway at the star-studded Smiley Charity Film Awards ceremony, which was held on March 20th, 2025, at the Indigo at The O2 in London.
The night was filled with inspiring speeches, moving films, and performances, including a gospel choir performance and a special Champion of Change Award for Annabel Kiki, an amputee footballer and campaigner for inclusivity.
Kate (l) and Emma (r) from our health team at the Smiley Awards
Why our health services are so vital
People with learning disabilities face significant health inequalities. The Learning Disabilities Mortality Review (LeDeR) found that:
🔹 The median age of death for people with learning disabilities is just 63, compared to 84 in the general population.
🔹 42% of deaths in people with learning disabilities are avoidable, compared to 22% in the general population.
🔹 Many health needs go unmet, and opportunities for preventive care are missed.
Our health team works closely with health providers across Sheffield to:
✅ Improve training for healthcare professionals, ensuring they understand the needs of people with learning disabilities.
✅ Adapt healthcare services to be more accessible.
✅ Develop practical tools and resources, like the nominated film, to ensure better support.
