Two Trust services shortlisted for national HSJ Awards
CPFT’s NHS Staff Mental Health Service and Arts Therapies Service have been chosen as finalists for the prestigious HSJ Awards 2025, recognising excellence in healthcare.
The two CPFT teams faced tough competition to make the final shortlist of 245 projects and individuals selected from 1,250 entries across the healthcare sector this year.
The NHS Staff Mental Health Service (pictured left) is in the running for the Staff Wellbeing Award and the Music Therapy team in the Arts Therapies Service (right) is a finalist for the Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families Award.
Since its launch in 2020, the NHS Staff Mental Health Service (SMHS) has supported over 2,000 NHS workers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with rapid access, high-quality multidisciplinary mental health care for staff under strain. Commissioned across five NHS trusts which employ over 30,000 staff, the service delivers compassionate and responsive care for NHS staff and safeguards their recovery, retention, wellbeing and dignity at work, reducing stigma.
Clinical lead for the Staff Mental Health Service Dr Muzaffer Kaser said: “This is a real honour, and we’re delighted to share our team’s work and impact with the HSJ and wider healthcare system. I’m so proud of what our multidisciplinary team has achieved since we started during the pandemic and their dedication to improve the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff – it is the least we can do when they care so much for others!”
The Community Music Therapy project: ‘Early Access, Lasting Impact’ is funded by CPFT’s Head to Toe Charity to bring music therapy into community settings and transform access to mental health support for children and young people. With 94.8% of participants rating the therapy five out of five stars, the initiative has improved emotional wellbeing, communication, and confidence, especially for those who had not engaged with other therapies. The team’s approach has improved access and equity and shown how early intervention can prevent more severe issues.
CPFT’s Deputy Chief Allied Health Professional (AHP) Caroline Stackhouse said: “Being named as a finalist for the HSJ Awards is a very proud moment for our AHPs! The Community Music Therapy project has made a real difference to children, families, and carers, offering early support where it’s needed most. I’m honoured to present the project to the judging panel alongside our brilliant Music Therapy team who have driven its success with their compassion and commitment.”
Over 40 years, the HSJ Awards has become the largest, most prestigious, and longest running awards programme in UK healthcare and being named a finalist is a significant achievement.
The Trust’s teams now need to prepare their presentations for the final judging panel in October.
CPFT Chief Executive Officer Steve Grange said: “We’re so proud of our colleagues, who deserve this recognition of their impressive talent, commitment, and impact for our staff and community. I wish them all the very best for the upcoming judging presentation and awards!”
Winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony on 20 November 2025 at Evolution London. The event celebrates excellence in healthcare, promotes best practice, and recognises the people and projects improving outcomes for patients nationwide.
For more details on the 2025 HSJ Awards and shortlist, visit: https://awards.hsj.co.uk/
