Published on: 22 October 2026
A Derbyshire NHS worker has won a national award recognising the positive impact of lived experience in supporting people into employment.
Rosie May, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team Leader at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been named the winner of the Lived Experience Award at the IPS Grow Awards.
The national awards celebrate individuals, teams, partnerships and organisations making an outstanding contribution to Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across England, recognising innovation, leadership, collaboration and the life-changing impact of IPS.
Rosie May was previously announced as one of three finalists for the Lived Experience Award, which recognises the valuable contribution of people who use their personal experiences of mental health services to help shape and strengthen IPS services.
Through her role, Rosie May draws on her own lived experience to connect with people accessing support, to understand the challenges they may be facing and help them recognise their own strengths.
Vikki Ashton Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Delivery Officer at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “We’re absolutely delighted for Rosie. She is passionate about using her lived experience to help others recognise their strengths and believe in what they can achieve.
“Rosie’s commitment and compassion have a real impact on the people she supports and on those she works alongside. We’re incredibly proud of her, and this award is very well deserved.”
Speaking after winning the award, Rosie May said: “Winning this award means so much to me. My own experiences have shaped the way I approach my work and shown me how powerful it can be when people feel truly understood and supported.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team that believes in people’s potential and helps them take positive steps towards their goals. I hope this award helps to show that lived experience is something we can draw strength from and use to make a real difference for others.”
The award builds on Rosie May’s commitment to bringing lived experience into her leadership and helping to ensure the support people receive is compassionate, relevant and shaped around their needs.”
