Sam McGavin received the ‘Service User Award for a Special Person’ at East London NHS Foundation Trust’s (ELFTs) annual Staff Awards.
Sam is the Senior Carers’ Lead within City & Hackney Mental Health Services. Over the past two years, he has worked with various carers across east London and colleagues in the Trust to improve the quality of services provided for those who support vulnerable service users.
He played an instrumental role in opening the City & Hackney Family, Friends & Carers Hub in 2024, along with the design and development of a website and welcome packs for carers. Sam has also produced information sessions for carers, helping to raise the profile of the role carers play in supporting service users along their mental health journey.
Sam has worked in the social care profession for almost 20 years. He previously worked as an advocate for adults with disabilities and a support worker for older people amongst other vital jobs, before joining the Trust’s City & Hackney directorate.
Commenting on his award win, Sam said: “As a resident who lives here in Hackney, I feel incredibly connected to the area, and am very proud to have received this award.
“My role has allowed me to work with two unbelievably talented carer support workers, Marta and Nawel, who build incredibly strong relationships with our carers, providing the highest possible level of care. The same can be said about all our voluntary and community sector colleagues working hard every day to make sure that carers feel supported in their rewarding but challenging role.”
Services, teams and individuals who work in east London, Bedfordshire and Luton won awards across a host of categories at the 2025 ELFT Staff Awards.
The evening was funded by not-for-profit community interest company Compass Wellbeing.
The ceremony was held at the popular Art Deco music venue, Troxy, in Whitechapel. The room was packed out with over 500 people who gathered to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
The ceremony began with a performance by the Trust’s #ELFTin1Voice choir, comprising of staff, service users and carers.
Lorraine Sunduza OBE, who is the Trust’s Chief Executive, and Paul Binfield, Director of People Participation, compéred the event.
All other east London winners from the 2025 ELFT Staff Awards can be found below.
East London-wide:
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Chair’s Award – Curtis Reece, Forensic Services
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Chief Executive Award, Employee of the Year – Irfaan Ibne, Primary Care
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Because of You Award – Sandra Alexander, Forensic Services
City & Hackney:
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Service User Award for a Special Person – Sam McGavin, City & Hackney Mental Health
Newham:
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Commissioner’s Award, Improving Population Health – Newham Transitional Practice, Primary Care
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Improving Value Award – Community Integrated Mental Health Team (North), Newham Mental Health
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Make a Difference Award – Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners Managers, Specialist Services
Tower Hamlets:
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Dr Robert Dolan Leadership Award – Dadai Dandato, Tower Hamlets Mental Health
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Greener Health Award – Amin Islam, Primary Care
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Improving Service User Experience Award – Emma Robinson, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
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Improving Staff Experience Award – S.A.F.E.R Quality Improvement Team, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
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Support Services Award – Mohammed Ahmed, Tower Hamlets Mental Health
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Working in Collaboration Award – 'Learning Together' Patient Safety Interface Group, Tower Hamlets Community Health Services
ELFT Chief Executive, Lorraine Sunduza OBE, said: “It is wonderful to witness the many achievements of the past year – each one made possible by our exceptional staff. We celebrate those who go above and beyond, reminding us that it is people, their passion and commitment, that truly make the difference.”
Eileen Taylor, ELFT’s Chair, added: “Every year, I am struck by the incredible number of nominations for our Staff Awards. This is testament to the wonderful work taking place throughout our communities, and colleagues’ dedication to service users’ wellbeing. As always, thank you for everything that you do.”