Recognising expertise and teamwork in Somerset
One of the teams recognised this year was the Nursing Team at Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS).
The team brings together a wealth of experience from a diverse range of clinical backgrounds, including district nursing, gastroenterology, intensive care and paediatric intensive care.
Clare Barratt, Clinical Service Manager at SDAS, was credited with recognising the value that diversity can bring to the service and the importance of shared values in the delivery of high standard nursing care.
“SDAS has been providing specialist support in the county since 2014, helping around 5,000 people for alcohol issues and 2,000 people with drug-related issues,” said Clare.
“Through clinical care, prescribing, harm minimising, and working in partnership with colleagues, SDAS supports people to recontrol and rebuild healthier and more stable lives.
“The multidisciplinary team of nurses, prescribers, pharmacists, specialty doctors and clinical leads work together to deliver safe, evidence-based person-centred care for individuals with complex needs.”
Individual excellence across our services
The event also highlighted outstanding contributions from individual nurses across Turning Point services.
Dana Walker, Senior Non-Medical Prescriber at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, was recognised for exemplifying Individual Best Practice.
Colleagues said: “She always has new ideas on how to continually improve the care and support we offer to clients and makes team members feel listened to and included in these decisions.
“Her humour and kindness help build fantastic therapeutic relationships with clients, as well as working relationships with all of her colleagues, which it makes it such a lovely place to work.”
Reflecting on her award, Dana paid tribute to her colleagues, saying: “I am privileged to work with knowledge and empathetic individuals. My clinical team is the best in the world.”
At the Rochdale and Oldham Substance Use Service (ROAR), mental health nurse Stephen Scrivens was celebrated for his work supporting people with co-occurring conditions.
Recognised for Nursing intervention to Improve an Outcome for Someone We Support, colleagues praised the way Stephen navigates and advocates through the complex treatment and social care system in his dedication to achieve the best possible outcome for patients.
His work has led to the service being able to provide more clinical pathways for people with co-occurring conditions.
Supporting the next generation of nurses
The Rising Star of the Year was Joe Harltey from Horizons Bristol Recovery Service.
After transferring to the newly formed service in April 2025, Joe quickly made an impact. His colleagues said:
“Joe’s commitment to provide high-quality, person-centred nursing care is unmatched. His solution focused approach, within an environment and circumstances that presented challenges, was inspiring. He turned challenges into opportunities to improve the experience and outcome of the people we support.”
Long standing commitment
Angela McGauley was also recognised for Contribution to Nursing for her 18 years of service to Turning Point as a mental health nurse. She has used extensive knowledge and expertise, having previously worked as a general nurse and midwife, to mentor newly qualified nurses and students at Douglas House mental health service in Manchester.
“I have really enjoyed my time working at Turning Point. It's been a long journey but one I have really appreciated,” said Angela.
A lasting impact
Turning Point’s Head of Nursing, Gill Campbell, highlighted the importance of recognising the everyday impact nurses have:
“This event is an important way to recognise the unwavering commitment nurses show in working together to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people we support.
“The principles of nursing can be summed up by the ‘6 Cs’: Care, Compassion, Courage, Communication, Commitment and Competence. The individuals we’ve celebrated demonstrate these qualities every day.”
Julie Bass, Chief Executive of Turning Point, reinforced the essential role nurses play within teams:
“Turning Point nurses are a vital part of the teams supporting people with substance use, mental health and learning disabilities.
“A strong theme throughout the event was the ‘extra mile’ our nurses go every day. Their compassion sits at the heart of everything we do, particularly when supporting people who are most vulnerable and often stigmatised within our communities.”
The Celebration of Nursing event highlights the dedication, compassion and expertise that define Turning Point’s nursing workforce.