Published on: 22 October 2026
Emelie Anekwu, Senior Physiotherapist in Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Physiotherapy team, has won the Inclusive Leader Award at the Trust’s 2026 HEARTS Awards - Honouring Exceptional And Really Terrific Staff.
Emelie works across the mental health facilities at Bluebell Ward and the Derwent Unit, supporting patients and colleagues while championing inclusion, diversity and compassionate leadership.
The Inclusive Leader Award recognises a colleague who shows real care and compassion for others, celebrates the positive impact of inclusion and diversity and creates a genuine sense of belonging.
Emelie was recognised for creating a supportive environment in which patients and colleagues feel valued, respected and heard. Despite managing a demanding workload, he makes time to offer guidance, encouragement and practical support to those around him.
Beyond his immediate clinical role, Emelie also uses professional networks, conferences and speaking opportunities to raise important issues, promote different perspectives and create space for underrepresented voices.
He has also drawn on challenges from his own career to help others, including developing a website to support people who may face barriers when applying for jobs. Through his wider advocacy, including chairing union conferences and speaking to organisations such as the Trades Union Congress, he has helped encourage conversations about representation, equity and inclusive leadership.
Rebecca Senior, a Trainee Clinical Psychologist with Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who, at the time of making the nomination was employed by Derbyshire Healthcare, nominated Emelie said: “What makes Emelie such an inclusive leader is that he brings his experiences, his knowledge and his identity with him, but he doesn’t use his voice just to speak for himself; he uses it to create space for other people.”
She added: “His focus is always on his patients, his colleagues and his team. It’s not just something he talks about - you see it in the way he treats people every day.”
After receiving the award, Emelie said: "It feels incredibly special to receive this award, and I am truly grateful to my team for their encouragement and support. I believe inclusion is not something we achieve alone; it is something we build together, through everyday actions and a willingness to challenge barriers.
“For me, it means ensuring that people feel seen, heard and valued, whether they are receiving our care or working alongside us. I hope this recognition encourages us to continue these conversations and, importantly, turn them into meaningful action."
Emelie’s leadership has been described as compassionate, authentic and ambitious. Through combining advocacy with practical support, he has helped colleagues feel more confident in sharing their ideas and experiences while encouraging others to challenge barriers and work collectively towards positive change.
Emelie was presented with the award on 21 October at a ceremony at Makeney Hall in Belper.
