Lincolnshire’s community mental health and wellbeing hubs and community connectors are celebrating after finding out they have been shortlisted in the upcoming national Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards in the Neighbourhood and Community Care Innovation of the Year category.
The innovative and collaborative approach between Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (LICB) is being recognised for delivering accessible, person-centred mental health and wellbeing support within local communities, through a countywide network of Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs and dedicated team of Community Connectors. The provision helps people access support earlier, stay connected, and improve their mental health and wellbeing closer to home.
Working together to improve wellbeing
Working alongside voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise (VCFSE) and statutory partners, the hubs provide a wide range of support, including peer groups, wellbeing activities, gardening, arts, employability support, housing and financial advice, and opportunities to build meaningful social connections. By addressing the wider factors that influence health and wellbeing, the hubs and connectors help people receive the right support at the right time. By working together, they are helping to deliver the NHS ambition to shift care from hospitals into communities, with a greater focus on prevention, early intervention, and neighbourhood-based support.
The HSJ Awards are widely recognised amongst the UK’s most prestigious healthcare awards, acknowledging innovation and excellence across the NHS. Over 1,300 entries were submitted this year, with 231 projects and individuals selected for the final shortlist.
Victoria Sleight, Head of Partnerships and Health Inequalities at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and Sara Brine, Head of MHDLDA Transformation at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Being shortlisted for the award is fantastic recognition of what can be achieved when organisations and communities work together with a shared vision. Our Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs and Community Connectors have created a network of local support that helps people stay well, access support earlier, and improve their wellbeing in ways that matter to them. This nomination recognises the dedication of our partners, voluntary and community organisations, staff, and communities who have worked together to shape and deliver this approach.”
The difference it’s making
The impact is clear from the experiences of people who have received support. One person who received help from a Community Wellbeing Hub said:
“Without your help, I would not have been able to get the support I needed around my housing situation. I was close to being evicted with no help. Speaking to you has helped calm me down and get what I need. Thank you for being there.”
The programme team will present to a final judging panel of respected healthcare leaders and board-level executives from NHS trusts across the UK, who will decide final winners. The winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony taking place on 19 November 2026 in London.
Find out more
To find out more about the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs and Community Connectors, visit www.haylincolnshire.co.uk.
The full list of nominees for the HSJ Awards 2026 is available at https://awards.hsj.co.uk/shortlist-2026.