Divine Days Awards Shortlist

Voting closes Wednesday 4th December!

Inclusive Skills Champion

Paula Gamester - CEO Connector Media CIC & Sewing Rooms

I have dedicated my working life to our community, to breaking down barriers, building confidence, and developing skills and experience. So that even the most vulnerable in our community, and those facing further barriers to inclusion, can move forward with confidence and competence. This dedication is a lifelong passion, to enable our community, our families, to flourish and grow.

Andy Reid - General Manager at The Secret Garden Glamping

Andy Reid

My passion lies in creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where every guest feels valued and cared for. I am dedicated to ensuring everyone, regardless of their background or needs, has an unforgettable experience at Secret Garden Glamping. I believe in fostering connection and making The Secret Garden a place where diversity is celebrated.

Tony Quane - Solid Sheds Yard Supervisor

I am passionate about ensuring that interns are settled in at Solid Sheds. Instilling the ways of Solid Sheds while also still being able to have fun with it. I especially love when the sun is out so that I can get out my sunglasses and play some soul music around the yard and show the new ones my great dance moves.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion

Cameron Latham MSc. BSc.(Hons.) - Upholland Community Hub

I am passionate about improving mental health and well-being for everyone. I use my lived experience of poor mental health and self injury,  my active research within academia and service provision to represent, advocate for, support and assist those who need it. I will always put the interests of others first to improve their lives in any way I can.

Paula Gamester - CEO Connector Media CIC & Sewing Rooms

For the last 18 years we have embedded the 5 ways to wellbeing into everything that we do within our organisation. Everybody who works with us or attends our sessions, are introduced to 5 practical tips to embed into their lives, to help them feel connected and live a healthier, happier lifestyle. I believe that everybody should have the opportunity to come to work in a place where they feel safe and supported, where work is not only work, but a place that empowers and enables, and I am proud to lead an organisation which is dedicated to that.

Neil Hickson - Burscough Community Farm Co-ordinator

More info to come soon!

Commitment to Inclusive Education Champion

Rachel Beevers - Burscough Village Primary School SENCO

Being an educator at BVPS is a privilege, championing the child’s development and watching them grow in a trusted environment.  I am passionate believer in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, by helping to remove barriers in and outside of the classroom. I create strong relationships with children and families who are faced with challenges, enabling them to access the curriculum and develop their own independence and self-worth.

Anne Cookson - Children and Family Well Being Service

Myself and my team are passionate about making sure children, young people and their families, have access to the right support, services and information.  We want to make that support meaningful and accessible and work with local schools and services to make this happen. Having access to support, knowing someone is there to listen and to help, can make all the difference to a child, young person or families journey.

Rebeccca Lowe - Kingsbury Cottage Primary

My passion in life is two always try to go above and beyond for people. I get pleasure out of seeing other people achieve there goals. 

Going the Extra Mile Award

Mark Ashton - Artz Centre Executive Director

I believe that by encouraging and enabling people to be creative and express themselves, gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate who they really are. It gives people the tools and platform to imagine a new future for themselves and that is hugely powerful. I continue to help provide Arts for All.

Bev Roberts - About The Town Editor

My commitment to Skelmersdale is fuelled by my passion for people and positive mental wellbeing. For five years, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing good news, creating opportunities, celebrating local achievements and creating spaces for connection. Guided by our values, I remain focused on giving back, listening without judgement, being accountable and consistently seeking out the positives to ensure everyone in our community feels valued, supported, and part of something meaningful.

Reverend Paul Lock - St Thomas the Martyr Church (Upholland Hub)

More info to come soon!

Inspiring Change Award

Emily McKeown - St John Rigby College Learning Mentor

I am passionate about working with young people with additional needs. I believe everyone should have a chance to contribute to society meaningfully. By supporting young people I hope to create an inclusive environment where they can be successful and thrive. My support will ensure they have the tools to reach their full potential.

Jaqueline Davies - Lancashire County Council

My passion for helping people into paid employment is not just my area of work, it is a cause I deeply believe in, and one that can change lives. I believe we can build a future where employers actively seek out diverse talent where accommodations are not seen as a burden but as an investment in a more inclusive, productive work force and more importantly where individuals with learning difficulties or who are neurodiverse are recognised for their strengths and contributions and not defined by their challenges

Frankie Williams - Secret Garden Glamping

Frankie is an amazing ambassador for The Secret Garden Glamping, The phenomenal work that has been carried out at La Mancha Hall has transformed the gardens, showcasing the incredible talents and contributions of  amazingly talented individuals. Frankie’s dedication and creativity inspire change and demonstrate the true value of celebrating difference and embracing inclusivity in every space

Special Recognition Award

Cameron Latham MSc. BSc.(Hons.) - Upholland Community Hub

I am passionate about mental health, charity and community. I suffer with long term severe mental illness but for the last 20 years have worked hard to stand up for the rights and well-being of those who are disadvantaged in any way, no matter who they are.

Mark Ashton - Artz Centre Executive Director

I believe that by encouraging and enabling people to be creative and express themselves, gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate who they really are. It gives people the tools and platform to imagine a new future for themselves and that is hugely powerful. I continue to help provide Arts for All.

Nikki Hennessey - West Lancashire County Councillor

More info to come soon!

Shining Star Award

Lucie Rimmer

Lucie has Autism and has had many barriers to overcome in her school life. She has made incredible progress from being mute when she joined our school, to now being involved in every aspect of school life. Last year, she attended a school residential overnight trip with our class for the first time. She pushed herself to tackle some very difficult obstacles and was so proud of herself for what she achieved. Lucie has also been chosen as a member of the pupil council and a dog mentor, which both consisted of her writing and delivering speeches. Despite her difficulties, she has developed in to a wonderful, kind-hearted girl who puts her peers and teachers first! I wish we had more Lucies in the world!! We are all so proud of her! 

Olivia Brooks

She is divine’s social butterfly. Her confidence has gone from zero to hero. she’s is absolutely loved within the group. Her passion and enthusiasm for the team is infectious. She gives 100% all of the time. In the last show she had a staring role which she throughly embraced.

Jessica McDonald

Jess is a breath of fresh air to everyone she meets, she most definitely lights up a room. With her funny, sharp sense of humour and her infectious smile.
With all life’s challenges ,Jess has gained strength, courage and confidence as she’s flourished into a beautiful teen.
Jess is always reaching beyond her own limitations which shows her inner strength.
Jess is a inspiration to all who know her she’s a humble, empathetic, compassionate wonderful friend to many. 
In a world that’s made for everyone jess shares kindness and bravery and I couldn’t be more proud – mum ( Kayleigh)

Judges Category

Helena Knapton - Learning and Teaching Development Lead, Edge Hill University

The opportunity to enhance the life chances of others is not afforded to many and is one that is both a privilege and a passion – and achievable by working creatively with colleagues and partners, such as Divine Days, so that the unseen become seen and take their rightful place in society.

Christine Rooney - West Lancashire Citizens Advice

I am deeply committed to supporting vulnerable people in West Lancashire, especially during the cost of living crisis.

With empathy and practical assistance I aim to empower those facing financial hardship by providing essential resources, guidance and advocacy.

My goal is to foster resilience and improve overall well-being.

Grace Morrison - Inspiration School of Dance

Inclusivity and diversity means a lot to me. I believe that it is what drives our communities together and creates a space for advancement and progression within society. Everyone should have the chance to be involved, be recognised and to enjoy art. Art is expression and everyone deserves to be included in that.