Nelly’s Nest
Josie Vujcic is the founder of Nelly’s Nest, author of the book Nelly’s Not Naughty and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and the inclusion of individuals with hidden disabilities.
Nelly’s Nest champions neurodiverse voices by offering services in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and across the UK. Its work includes training and development programs, community outreach and support initiatives to empower individuals, families and professionals.
Josie has a background in SEN within schools and formed Nelly’s Nest a couple of years ago with the aim of creating inclusive spaces where neurodiverse individuals feel understood, valued and supported.
Josie leads a team of five staff, all of whom who have a background of working with neurodiverse people of all ages.
Nelly’s Nest works with schools and businesses, helping to create environments that are inclusive, understanding and supportive.
Schools are given targeted support to help staff identify, understand and meet the diverse needs of SEND pupils, promoting inclusion and confidence across the school community. Businesses receive practical, scalable training to build inclusive policies, improve team awareness and support neurodiverse employees and clients.
Nelly’s Nest can also be found at events and festivals equipped with resources, sensory tools, de-escalation equipment and trained therapeutic staff to allow events to be accessible to all.
Josie said: “I am really proud to be an advocate for inclusivity of neurodiversity. We now offer a variety of services all over Staffordshire and around the UK to support, encourage and include the neurodiverse community.
“Only through acknowledgment of diversity can we achieve inclusivity. At Nelly’s Nest we understand that individuals experience and interact with the world in diverse ways, including those with conditions like autism, ADHD and learning disabilities.
“That is why we promote and champion inclusion and acceptance of these differences as we recognise that everyone’s brain works differently and that these variations contribute to a richer, more diverse society.”
Nelly’s Nest has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
The nominator said: “Nelly’s Nest is not just a group, it’s a lifeline, an educator, an advocate and a community builder. This nomination celebrates everything they’ve achieved and the bright, inclusive future they’re creating for everyone touched by neurodiversity.”
Graham Phillips and Catherine Morris
After decades serving as a policeman and as a teacher, Graham Phillips and Catherine Morris are now working for a Stoke-on-Trent charity.
Voice of Hope, based at the Bridge Centre in Birches Head, raises awareness of modern slavery, human trafficking and county lines exploitation and also dedicates itself to eradicating and preventing other social atrocities and injustices such as child exploitation.
The charity provides specialist training and support services including tailored awareness training for professionals, targeted sessions for young people, collaboration and prevention work with schools, outreach support for the homeless and collaborative efforts with police and support services to assist potential victims.
Whilst both are involved in training and educating adults, it is within schools where Graham and Catherine are often to be found, talking to youngsters in primary and secondary education.
Their blend of educational expertise and real-world safeguarding insight enables them to deliver powerful learning that is both age-appropriate and deeply impactful. Over the past 12 months more than 1,700 children and young people across Stoke-on-Trent have taken part in their specialist sessions.
Graham and Catherine deliver training and learning not only focusing on modern slavery, human trafficking, and county lines exploitation, but also the likes of healthy relationships, drugs, safeguarding, grooming and child exploitation too. They are tireless advocates for child protection, always offering guidance and support to educators, parents, children and professionals.
Graham said: “We go into schools and carry out work ranging from large groups to one-to-one sessions. There’s becoming more and more call for what we do, but it’s great to be in a position where we can build relationships and make a difference getting vitally important messages across.”
Catherine added: “Our workshops use real-life case studies and interactive learning to create a safe space for honest conversations, enabling disclosures and children to really think and supporting early intervention.
“Me and Graham have worked together for nearly a year now, helping youngsters to stay safe and recognise danger signs. I’ve always had a passion about keeping youngsters safe and after leaving teaching this seemed such a great way to help to make a difference.
“I think what works really well is that we are really passionate, and Graham in particular has real-life experience of what we are talking about.”
Graham Phillips and Catherine Morris have been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Benjamin Hubbard and Simon Jassel
Radiographers from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust have developed an innovative app to give students and apprentices instant access to clinical learning resources anytime and anywhere.
Aware that learners couldn’t access educational material when studying away from the Royal Stoke University Hospital, Benjamin Hubbard, practice educator for therapeutic radiography, and Simon Jassel, advanced practitioner in imaging and IT, developed the app to include documents, videos, presentations, workbooks and quizzes designed to support the development of clinical skills.
The app went live in July after being made in-house and is already being used by students from Birmingham City University and apprentices from Sheffield Hallam University who split their learning between the Royal Stoke’s Cancer Centre and remote study.
Benjamin said: “We had wanted to create something for a long time that would support students and apprentices in our department.
Other Trusts were beginning to use apps to give learners easier access to information and we knew we wanted to do something similar here at UHNM.
“After exploring commercial app development, we realised it would be extremely costly. That’s when I brought Simon into the conversation and he found a way to utilise Microsoft Power Apps, already available to us under our existing licences. We were able to develop the app ourselves during our protected advanced practice time, meaning the only cost to develop the app was our time.”
The app is secured with UHNM Trust login credentials, so users can securely access trusted material even when away from the hospital site.
Benjamin said: “It’s ideal for students who’ve spent the day on placement and want to reflect at home or on the move. It puts all the content in one concise, easy-to-access space and is interactive too, as learners can request additional resources. Thanks to built-in analytics we can also track usage too to better its efficiency.
“There is also the possibility going forward that in-house apps like this could be extended to other areas across UHNM to support students, apprentices and preceptorships more broadly.”
Simon, who led on the app’s development, said: “It was very much a case of how we can replicate something useful without incurring costs to the NHS. There was a lot of trial and error at first, but now students and apprentices can download materials to their phones, listen to tutorials or read documents on the go. The positive feedback has been great to hear and it’s really streamlined and efficient for everyone.”
One of the first to benefit from the app is therapeutic radiographer apprentice Jasmine Humphries.
She said: “The app is very good, especially the feature to submit forms and request specific information. It’s clearly set out, easy to navigate and includes up-to-date content.”
Carolyn O’Donovan, Radiotherapy Service Manager, said: “I’m incredibly proud that Benjamin and Simon had the foresight, ideas, innovation and skills to create something truly transformational for our students and apprentices that come through the department.”
Benjamin Hubbard and Simon Jassel have been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Gail Jenkinson
“I’m overwhelmed every day by her devotion and compassion towards the role.”
Those are just some of the words used to describe the work that Gail Jenkinson has been doing at the Bradwell Hall Group for the past 18 years.
Gail, 63, has been working in the care sector since 1978 and whilst at Bradwell Hall and Trentham House Care Homes she has worked in management before becoming a trainer. Gail delivers training to all new care staff.
Her nominator in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards said: “She is an excellent educator. Her role is vital, teaching end-of-life care is one of the most important and hardest roles to take on, buy she is an inspiration.”
Looking after her own elderly mother, helping her husband with health difficulties and even recently having knee replacement surgery herself haven’t stopped Gail from her duties, which can be vital to ensuring the safety, dignity and wellbeing of residents and staff. Gail delivers training in a number of areas empowering staff to respond confidently and compassionately to challenging situations, which can reduce the risk of harm and promotes a positive care environment.
Gail said: “I’m amazed but honoured to be nominated. I’m just doing my job. I really enjoy my work, building relationships with staff and residents and helping to ensure that every resident receives high-quality, compassionate care.
“It gives me great job satisfaction knowing that the work I do helps to improve the environment here. Everyone deserves to be treated as you’d want to be treated, and we never lose sight just how dependent people can be on us, so it’s lovely to make a little bit of difference whenever we can.
“As a trainer, you’re not just teaching techniques — you’re hopefully shaping attitudes and promoting a safer, more supportive care environment where everyone feels valued and protected.”
Kieran Pestridge
Meet Staffordshire’s answer to Hollywood’s Jack Black and School of Rock.
Kieran Pestridge, from Trentham, set up Teachers Pet Rock Show UK eight years ago to give young people with challenges and disabilities an opportunity to use with musical talents.
The former demolition worker leads and performs in the rock group himself despite having Cerebral Palsy and being told that he wouldn’t walk without the aid of medical equipment.
The 37-year-old and his group have since had gigs around the UK including in front of an audience of 8,000 people shortly after Kieran was diagnosed with a ‘massive blood clot’ and advised not to perform.
He said: “I watched School of Rock whilst I was in hospital, and it gave me the motivation to do what I’m now doing. What’s brilliant is to be giving youngsters the chance to perform, show what they can do and give them the experiences and opportunities to take with them for the future”.
It’s now more than two decades since Jack Black and School of Rock hit the big screens worldwide, but Kieran and his tribute band are still wowing audiences not only in The Potteries but in the likes of Liverpool, and London too.
Kieran doesn’t just sound like Jack Black, he really does look like him too. He had always wanted to be a musician, however it was a life-changing operation in 2005 (Kieran had cerebral palsy and couldn’t walk without the aid of medical equipment) that gave him in his own words “a better standard of life” and kickstarted his musical career.
After the operation Kieran learned to play the guitar and played in a number of bands. But whilst he had a burning desire to help children to showcase their musical talents, it was a chance phone call in 2017 that was the start of Teachers Pet Rock Show UK.
“I received a phone call asking if I wanted to play a gig in London as Jack Black. I thought it was my mates joking, but after receiving payment up front I saw that this was serious.”
Kieran Pestridge has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
His nominator said: “Kieran is passionate about educating the children. He is an absolute inspiration and is respected by so many, particularly in the music world.”
Kieran added: “This is all about giving kids chances and opportunities. I am totally focussed on not letting youngsters down.”
Pinc College
The Bethesda Chapel in Hanley is to become the new Stoke-on-Trent home for a college with 13 sites around the UK.
Pinc College works with 16 to 24-year-olds with individual educational needs. Currently based at both the Potteries Museum Studio and the Mitchell Arts Studios in the city centre, it will move into the Bethesda Chapel in September 2026.
A national organisation with 13 colleges throughout the country, all Pinc College campuses are set in community and cultural buildings to support students to access to their local communities and prepare for adulthood.
The college’s programmes are project-based, allowing students to choose the topics they are interested in and develop the creative skills they enjoy.
The curriculum focuses on the arts, and in particular level two and three art and design diplomas, functional skills and developing maths and English.
Campus Lead Stacey Rowell said: “We are all really excited about moving into one of the city’s iconic buildings. We are big on team culture and our team creates positive relationships and a supportive environment for all our students. Our aim has always to be to ensure that all our students can access education.
“We have a variety of pathways depending on the individual student’s needs. We celebrate individuality and self-expression – there is no dress code here and we encourage our students to be individuals but also team players and their complete authentic selves.”
Pinc College (The Potteries and Mitchell Art Centre) has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Amy Anderson, Shelly Birnie, Gemma Lyons and Sammy Brock (Kaleidoscope Fenton)
Teachers at a special school have been praised by the mum of one of their pupils for the way they’ve helped with a transition to new school premises.
Amy Anderson, Shelly Birnie, Gemma Lyons and Sammy Brock, who all work in Fieldmouse Class at Kaleidoscope School in Fenton, have been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Parent Alicia Keenan said: “This year has been a challenge for all staff and children involved in the move to the new Kaleidoscope School in Fenton.
“This particular class that my daughter is in have made the move and change seamless for our children.
“These ladies have gone above and beyond to ensure that our children have remained settled, calm and felt at ease through the transition.
“This year I have seen so much progress in my daughter and that’s all thanks to this amazing group of ladies.
“They take the time to understand our children’s needs, showing compassion when times have been tough.
“The school as a whole is outstanding and the Fieldmouse Class are a great representation of what a kind, nurturing environment can do to help achieve our children’s goals.
“These ladies are aware of what our children need without even having to think about it and for me as a special needs mum this is invaluable.
“I know that my child is safe, well looked after and most importantly happy to be at school.”
Headteacher Sam Goodin explained that the school has expanded from its Porthill premises into a second site in Fenton, with pupils either moving to the new premises or to different classrooms within the original site.
She said: “I fully support this nomination. All of the staff are doing an exceptional job.
“A change of location is an anxious time and all staff have gone above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible experience for pupils.”
Dr Viraj Dawarka
He is my hero and I wouldn’t have graduated with first class honours without his support – just one of the comments students have made about University of Staffordshire lecturer Dr Viraj Dawarka.
More than a dozen of Viraj’s students have nominated him in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards – praising not only his teaching skills but his commitment to student wellbeing.
Viraj is based at University of Staffordshire’s London campus where he is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Cyber Security and the Course Leader for BSc Cyber Security.
He studied for his undergraduate degree in Mauritius, moved to London for a Masters in Software Engineering, moved back to Mauritius for his PhD in Cloud Robotics and then took up a teaching post with University of Staffordshire in November 2022.
Student Syed Ali said: “Dr Viraj Dawarka is a true hero in my academic journey, not only for his depth of knowledge but for the unwavering passion and patience with which he teaches. He has a remarkable ability to break down complex concepts into digestible ideas, making even the most challenging topics approachable.
“Beyond technical skills, he has instilled in me a mindset of problem-solving, resilience, and continuous learning – traits that extend far beyond the classroom. His encouragement and belief in my potential have boosted my confidence and inspired me to push my limits. Thanks to him I’ve developed not just as a coder, but as a critical thinker and a more determined individual.”
Pawan Upadhayay said: “His approachable nature and genuine passion for education truly set him apart. He is not only a brilliant instructor but also a mentor who leaves a lasting impact on every student he teaches.”
Avishka Pramuditha Warnakulasuriya Fernando said: “I’m nominating him because he shared his inspiring journey up to his PhD, motivating us by showing what dedication and hard work can achieve.”
Muzzamil Hussain said: “Viraj Dawarka at Staffordshire University is a true inspiration in education. His exceptional teaching skills, deep knowledge and positive attitude make learning impactful. He creates an environment where students feel motivated and supported. He is a role model for aspiring educators as his passion truly shines through.”
Hira Tariq said: “His commitment to both our professional and personal development makes him a true hero in education, and I believe he deserves to be recognised for the difference he has made in so many lives.”
Viraj said he is delighted to have been nominated for an award by his students and that he tries to use his years of working in industry to inspire them and also to be as responsive as possible to their needs.
Murouj Aljamaeen
“She changed my life and I know she’s done the same for many others.”
These are the words that Chika Asogwa used when nominating his University of Staffordshire lecturer in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards.
Murouj Aljamaeen has been a Lecturer in Computer Science at University of Staffordshire since September 2022.
Chika said: “Her passion for teaching and sincere dedication to student growth makes her a true inspiration in education. Without her encouragement I may never have discovered my passion for applying technology to improve health outcomes. Murouj was more than just a teacher. She empowered me to believe in my potential and pursue a meaningful career path.”
Born and raised in Jordan, and with a computing and business background, Murouj moved to the UK and Stoke-on-Trent in 2021, where she lectures and is undertaking a PhD. Her focus is not just on the academic but also on the holistic development of her students – both undergraduates and those studying for their Masters.
Murouj is determined to have a real impact on her students’ lives and is seen not just as a lecturer but also as a mentor, motivator and as someone who helps students to reach their potential.
Murouj said: “I felt welcomed as soon as I arrived in Stoke-on-Trent, and when I return to Jordan I can’t wait to get back here. It’s now my home and I am proud to work at University of Staffordshire.
“I am overwhelmed to be nominated for this award and for what I do to be acknowledged. I am hugely passionate about education and for students to achieve as much as they can.
“My work is a passion and I want that to shine through to my students. I want to help them not only learn but to help shape their futures too. I have always had the motivation to do better and be better and I try to pass that on.”
Step Up To HE
A University of Staffordshire project is supporting people from non-traditional backgrounds, or who may not have taken a traditional academic route, back into education.
Established in 2007, Step Up To Higher Education’s free 10-week programme is aimed at giving the knowledge, skills and confidence for people to progress onto degree-level work. It attracts a cross-section of people including those looking to retrain for a new career, pursue a passion or perhaps explore personal development.
Staff are passionate about the role University of Staffordshire plays in enabling widening participation and access, and also about the role education plays in positively developing people to succeed and flourish. There are currently four members in the Step Up Academic Team: Ashley Cotton, Kay Dawson, Daniel Tapley and Eleanor Johnston.
Applications for Step Up To Higher Education are contextually considered in order to secure attainable academic progression and future transition into degree level study. Experience is valued as much as formal qualifications, ensuring entrance requirements are flexible.
The 10-week programme is run throughout the year, with a maximum of 30 students in each cohort. The next programme starts in mid-September and students come from a variety of non-traditional backgrounds as Step Up To Higher Education collaborates with the likes of healthcare organisations, mental health charities and addiction and recovery services.
Students learn the crucial skills needed for university study including attending and preparing for lectures and seminars, note-taking, gathering research and using library resources. They also play a full part in university life, are assigned a personal tutor and the course is taught by subject-specialist academic staff, study skills tutors, library and IT specialists.
Once the programme is completed students gain a qualification and have the chance to go on to take a foundation or degree-level course.
Programme Manager Ashley Cotton said: “Our aim is to ensure that as many adult learners as possible reach their full potential and we provide opportunities and the support for them to do just that.
“Our work is so rewarding and is all about building connections and relationships. To do that we work collaboratively with our students. It’s not just about teaching and imparting knowledge, it’s about coaching, mentoring and offering holistic support.”
Step Up To Higher Education has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025.
Annie Thompson
Annie Thompson was the first person in her family to go to university – and now she uses her experiences from that time to ensure the university students she works with have the careers support and knowledge she didn’t receive herself.
The 28-year-old is a Career Liaison Officer in the seven-strong Career Readiness team at University of Staffordshire. She is part of a careers group that recently won at the What Uni Students Choice Awards 2025 – where students voted freely about their experiences of careers and placed Annie’s team in the top three universities in the UK for career prospects.
Annie designs and delivers impactful employability programmes that upskill, inspire and prepare students for the world of work. She tries to ensure every student has the skills, experiences and confidence to thrive after graduation and beyond.
Her remit includes computing, esports, games, business, innovation and engineering. Annie is a link between academia and careers and is known for offering a personalised careers service based on the knowledge that all student pathways are different.
Starting as a Careers Coach at University of Staffordshire in 2019, Annie also runs the University’s cheerleading team and also holds employability sessions with the team’s members too.
Annie said: “I try to offer a careers service that is personable and one that I would want for myself as a student. I am looking to develop careers into all curriculum areas. I really enjoy doing what I do.
“It’s so important to support and shape students’ career development and employability. A big part of my role is designing and delivering career-focused activities, advising academic teams on embedding employability and fostering relationships to secure placements and career opportunities.”
Annie Thompson has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025.
Staffs Computing Society
A technology-focused group of University of Staffordshire students has increased its membership by 270% this year whilst positively affecting not only its own membership but also the wider community.
The Staffs Computing Society is a self-funded, volunteer-led, inclusive and academically-focused group that brings together tech enthusiasts in a fun and supportive environment. But their reach extends far beyond the campus.
In September 2025 they’re launching a school-focused outreach across Stoke-on-Trent, building bespoke workshops for primary and secondary students to demystify tech, inspire confidence and create new pathways into digital careers.
It’s just one example of how the group collaborates with schools, university departments, external organisations and companies.
Other examples include regularly hosting or leading events such as open days, school visits, employer workshops, mentoring programmes and careers panels to raise awareness and understanding of tech.
The society has consistently looked to act as ambassadors for the University and the wider tech community with a real commitment to supporting underserved communities at local and national levels through storytelling, workshops and visibility campaigns.
Manager of the Staffs Computing Society, Aurelia Brzezowska, said: “Our mission is to upskill and provide support and opportunities for our members. However, we have a real focus on community engagement and support too.
“The society has worked tirelessly to offer a wide variety of opportunities for our student members to learn, develop skills, network, build CVs and seek employment opportunities as we want this society to be the go-to place for anyone passionate about tech.
“But we also think it’s so important to change the perception of technology for youngsters within the city and beyond too.
“Technology is for everyone and should be fun. That’s why we love helping the next generation and we think it is important that we try to be good role models for them. Everyone in the society loves to give back to the community.”
The Staffs Computing Society has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025.
Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT) Stoke-on-Trent
A Stoke-on-Trent college prepares teenagers for a career in the armed forces and improves their life skills, self-confidence and physical fitness along the way.
Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT) Stoke-on-Trent in Anchor Road, Longton has been working with 16 to 19-year-olds for nearly five years.
All of the instructors are ex-Armed Forces, including centre manager Ste Smith for left the military in 2017 and took up his current role four years later.
He said: “After I left the military I struggled in finding a purpose myself,
so I really do have empathy for young adults out there who are perhaps struggling or have a lack of focus.
“Working at MPCT has given me that purpose and whilst working here I have seen changes, first hand, in hundreds of our learners.
“Our aim is to support our students on their military journey and whilst they do enter other services the military makes up 99% of student progression.
“We help and train them and we put them under controlled pressure through activities such as team-building, leadership and volunteering. It’s fantastic to see them grow as young adults, learn new skills and make a positive contribution towards the community.
“We also plan and host a number of charity events throughout the year and our students will often give up their evenings and weekends to volunteer too.”
MPCT’s programme is free and has a heavy military focus and context.
Instructors aim to get the best of out their students with an approach that is active, fun and develops the student’s physical fitness and self-confidence alongside key skills. Students take part in monthly careers education sessions supported by military and civilian recruiters and employers.
MPCT Stoke-on-Trent has been nominated in the Inspiration in Education category of the Your Heroes Awards 2025 by Councillor Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.