Combined Healthcare is pleased to announce that two projects from the trust’s learning disability services have been shortlisted for the 2026 Nursing Times Awards. The projects have been shortlisted for individual awards within the Learning Disability Nursing category.
The ‘supporting families who manage risky behaviours at home’ project focuses on supporting families caring for loved ones whose behaviours can be challenging at home. Staff worked with families to help to reduce risk, increase family confidence, prevent crises and family breakdown, and reduce the need for urgent or emergency services. This initiative delivers clear value by improving safety, wellbeing and quality of life for children with learning disabilities and their families, while enhancing service effectiveness.
The second shortlisted project focuses on sustaining the future registered nurse learning disabilities workforce by developing placements for T Level health students. Placement opportunities have been developed for students aged 16+ at two local colleges and offer experience across five different learning disability services; including children’s services, adult services, short breaks, and community teams. The programme aims to raise awareness of learning disability nursing as a career and improve understanding of the needs of people with learning disabilities when accessing mainstream services.
Beyond workforce development, the programme enhances system-wide knowledge of learning disability care. Students gain exposure to person-centred practice, reasonable adjustments, and inclusive approaches, increasing their confidence to support individuals across healthcare settings. This early learning promotes safer, more equitable care and reduces the risk of diagnostic overshadowing, discrimination and inequality.
Jessica Lister, previous Consultant Nurse for Learning Disabilities at Combined Healthcare, who has worked across both projects, spoke proudly about the nomination for the ‘supporting families who manage risky behaviours at home’ project:
“I was proud to work with our Children’s Community Learning Disability Team and Reducing Restrictive Practice Team on this project where their passion and dedication have created a sustainable programme that equips families with the skills and confidence to identify risks early. This recognition is a testament to the team’s commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and their families.”
Jo Copeland, Education and Development Manager, commented on the impact of the T Level project:
“The T Level project has been a great way to reach out to our local communities and colleges. The learning disability nurses and our allied health professionals have really embraced this opportunity and worked hard to provide some fantastic placements that showcase the role and the trust which is not something widely done in the area.”
Frieza Mahmood, Chief People Officer, is also pleased to see these two projects recognised:
“These projects showcase the difference it makes when the right support is put in place to support families, dealing with difficult challenges in the communities we serve. I am extremely proud of the dedication shown by our learning disability services and education team, working in true partnership to improve the life chances of our young people.
“We remain committed to supporting them in becoming an integral part of our future workforce. I hope these teams receive the wider recognition they deserve for their efforts and look forward to hearing the result in October!”
Combined Healthcare would like to congratulate the teams who have been shortlisted, which is already an achievement. The awards night for the Nursing Times Awards 2026 will be held on Thursday 29 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Good luck to both teams!
