Finalists for the Lord Mayor Awards 2026 gathered last night (Thursday 19th February) at Sheffield Town Hall to highlight the dedication of hard-working members in our community.
Those present were praised for their contributions to the arts, care and wellbeing, community, education, environment, local sport, and Sheffield Young Hero.
Councillor Safiya Saeed, the 128th Lord Mayor, said: “The awards are just a fraction of the greatness and talents Sheffield has. It’s really important to recognise the people who have been nominated tonight. These are the kind of people who glue Sheffield together as a city.
“I am the first black woman, with a hijab, to be nominated as Lord Mayor here, after 128 years. That title alone puts Sheffield on the map and says loud and proud that we are a city of sanctuary and diversity. The awards are another way to make sure that we continue to celebrate the volunteers, those that put their time, their energy and their talents into the community.”
The winners were Danae Wellington, Leanne Bennett-Pitts, Carolynn McConnell, Karen Vickers, Christine King, Teagan Stott, and young hero, Heidi Howson.
Danae Wellington, winner of Outstanding Contribution to Arts, Music and Culture, was recognised for cultural leadership, championing African Caribbean voices, and was Sheffield Poet Laureate 2023-2024.
She said: “It’s beautiful to see that my work is having an impact, and it’s not all in vain. Sometimes you can get bogged down if you feel your work isn’t really making the impact you wanted it to. But seeing that people want to celebrate it, it means a whole lot to me.
“Never silence your voice. You have a really beautiful voice and story, and that should be heard.”
Leanne Bennett-Pitts, winner of outstanding contribution to Care, Support and Wellbeing, was recognised for transforming acute pain management and reducing opioid dependency.
She said: “Everyone in healthcare works so hard, fingers to the bone, and we do it because it is a vocation, and a passion. To be rewarded and validated for all the staying late, and recognising the routine day-to-day stuff that goes unnoticed sometimes, it just feels absolutely amazing.”