The SHINE Awards 2025: Celebrating Workplace Wellbeing, Recovery, and Real Change
Last week, we gathered at Aintree Racecourse for a night that truly embodied what Steps Together stands for. The SHINE Awards 2025, now in its second year, was a celebration of the incredible people and organisations making wellbeing a priority across workplaces in the UK.
A Night to Remember
Over 300 guests stepped into the elegant setting of Aintree Racecourse for a corporate awards evening with no alcohol, but plenty of joy.
The night unfolded as a vibrant reminder that connection and celebration do not need to revolve around alcohol. Everything from the red-carpet welcome to the heartfelt speeches offered something different.
As the UK’s first-ever alcohol-free workplace wellbeing awards ceremony, the SHINE Awards brought together advocates who drive cultural change in workplaces across the nation.
This year’s event also carried a deeper mission, which was raising funds for NACOA UK (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics), a charity close to our hearts.
Honouring the Champions of Workplace Wellbeing
Hosted by Steps Together in partnership with Claritee, this year’s SHINE Awards recognised eight exceptional organisations that stood out for their innovation and commitment to wellbeing.
We were proud to celebrate remarkable winners, including Bentley Motors, The Inkey List, and Sobriety Society (BUPA), who were each recognised for their leadership in supporting workplace mental health.
Other inspiring honourees, AF Club, Stable Lives, Fedcap, Shoorah, and Ripple, demonstrated how creativity and compassion can change the way organisations care for their people.
Purpose, Not Pints
For many attendees, the event’s alcohol-free nature was what made it truly special. Guests could enjoy a relaxed, inclusive environment. Everyone felt present and free to celebrate authentically.
As Holly Matthews, founder of The Happy Me Project, shared:
“The SHINE awards were unlike anything I’ve been too before. Glamour, integrity and a delicious atmosphere that wasn’t fuelled by alcohol. As a non-drinker it was lovely to see people dancing throughout the night without the Dutch courage they might have had to rely on before. It felt like a safe and fun space to be in and I left inspired by all of the incredible winners and what was achieved by just getting everybody in that room together.”
Her words capture the very essence of the SHINE Awards. This ceremony aims to celebrate success in a way that uplifts wellbeing and belonging.
Giving Back to a Cause That Matters
The evening also shone a light on NACOA UK and its mission to support children and families affected by parental drinking. Through heartfelt stories and moving tributes, guests came together to raise funds for this life-changing charity.
As Josh Connolly, NACOA Ambassador, reflected:
“If you think alcohol-free events can’t be fun, you haven’t been to a SHINE Awards. A simply incredible evening and for a great cause!”
Funds raised during the event will continue to support NACOA’s invaluable work. It’s a reminder that celebration can also spark tangible change.
The Power of Coming Together
The atmosphere throughout the night was electric. Familiar faces like Calum Best, Lystra Adams, Sheena Lynch, and Dean Gaffney joined industry leaders and recovery advocates to show their support.
But behind the glamour, what truly stood out was the collective belief in building workplaces where people can grow in different aspects.
As Steve Jones, Deputy Chief Executive at Steps Together, shared:
“It’s inspiring to celebrate the incredible individuals and organisations making a real difference in mental health, addiction recovery, and workplace wellbeing. The passion, innovation, and collaboration across the sector truly make a positive impact.”
His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room. Indeed, the SHINE Awards represent a growing movement of businesses and communities rethinking what wellbeing at work looks like.
Continuing the Momentum
The message of the SHINE Awards remains bright. Wellbeing is worth celebrating.
Together with our partners at Claritee and the generous support of NACOA UK, we’ll continue to champion a future where recovery, mental health, and purpose-led leadership take centre stage.
To relive the magic and meet this year’s winners, visit the full gallery at The SHINE Awards 2025.
