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There are moments in our journey where the work we do feels seen – and the Lancashire Bee Mindful Awards 2025 was one of those moments. Set in a room filled with compassion, resilience, and community spirit, the event celebrated the unsung heroes of mental health and wellbeing, from schools and nurseries to individual changemakers.
We were incredibly honoured to receive the Shooting Star Award, a category introduced to recognise organisations with a clear vision for change and a drive to uplift others. For us at Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs, this award affirms that our efforts to mentor, support, and advocate for gender inclusivity in early years education are creating ripples that matter.
As a team, we felt deeply moved. It’s not just about recognition – it’s about knowing that people are noticing the difference we’re trying to make. “Absolutely amazing and so well deserved,” said Julie Robinson. “You’re standing out to help others.”
The heart behind the Lancashire Bee Mindful Awards is as real as it gets. Julie Robinson, founder of Mini Minds Matter, has always been passionate about supporting children’s mental health – but it was the powerful combination of her lived experiences and professional work that inspired her to take things one step further.
“Mostly because of the work I do supporting children with Mini Minds and seeing other professionals making a difference using it,” Julie told us. Her journey was deeply personal, too. “My daughter is neurodiverse, and seeing the emotional impact of Covid on children made me realise – I needed to help others.”
Julie had long supported Bee as a sponsor from the beginning, and when the opportunity came to merge their efforts into one cohesive event, the vision was clear: to celebrate the people and places making a real difference in mental health and wellbeing.
This wasn’t just another awards night – it was about creating a platform for change. Julie explained, “We have to start recognising those people trying to stand out and help.” The Bee Mindful Awards became a beacon for those going the extra mile, offering encouragement, visibility, and the message that wellbeing should never be an afterthought.
What set the Lancashire Bee Mindful Awards apart wasn’t just the categories or trophies – it was the emotion that ran through the entire evening. This was a celebration rooted in love, legacy, and lived experience. Every award told a story, and every winner reminded us why community matters.
One moment that stayed with everyone was the announcement of the Children’s Champion. A nine-year-old boy, living with his own challenges and illness, was honoured for the work he does supporting terminally ill children. “He doesn’t see his own challenges,” Julie shared. “He wants to help others he sees as less fortunate than himself.” His selflessness was a reminder of the strength young people carry when nurtured with care.
Another deeply moving moment came with the Stacey’s Wings of Strength Award. Stacey, who had previously won the Bee Strong Award, sadly passed away from cancer but left a legacy of positivity and hope. The award was presented to a mother who founded her own charity after losing her child – “Be More Ted” Buddy Benches – a project spreading joy in memory of her son.
These moments weren’t just emotional – they were the very essence of the event: recognising those who turn pain into purpose, and challenge into change.
Among the many heartfelt moments of the evening, receiving the Shooting Star Award was particularly meaningful for us. This award was introduced by Julie to celebrate those who aren’t just doing good work – they’re shining brightly while doing it. “It means someone who is shining bright and reaching for the stars,” she explained. “They have a clear vision of how to incorporate change to advocate for others.”
For us at Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs, this award feels like a tribute to our mission: to raise the profile of men in early years education, offer meaningful mentoring, and promote mental health and gender inclusivity through everything we do.
Julie’s words made it even more special: “Your buddy system and mentor programme is incredible… promoting others as an advocate to support a minority.” In that moment, we felt proud – not just of the win, but of what it stands for: purposeful advocacy that helps others feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Winning the Shooting Star Award wasn’t just a proud moment for us – it was a sign that the early years sector is evolving. More than ever, there’s growing recognition for the importance of mental health, gender inclusivity, and the powerful role of advocacy in shaping future generations.
Julie put it best: “It takes a strong leader to grasp a concept or approach and implement it to make a difference. These are people that are critical to create a catalyst for change.” Her words speak directly to the wave of transformation happening across the sector.
We’re seeing more settings embrace mentoring, inclusive recruitment, and wellbeing-focused leadership – not in isolation, but through community and collaboration. Awards like this one are part of a bigger movement: one that values innovation, equity, and emotional wellbeing just as much as education itself.
It’s a shift we’re proud to be part of – and one we hope to keep driving forward.
Behind every meaningful award is a team of judges who bring care, credibility, and insight – and the Bee Mindful Awards were no exception. Two standout professionals helped shape this year’s event: Rachel Earing and Emily Mort.
Rachel brings over 20 years of experience in emotional and mental health, with a background in coaching, leadership, and alternative therapy. From working on BAFTA-winning TV productions to founding a social enterprise in 2024, she’s passionate about helping people release trauma and live life on their terms.
Emily Mort, meanwhile, wears many hats – virtual assistant, business owner, councillor, and founder of Fun With Trains Bolton. Her work supporting children’s development and empowering small charities and CICs through tech shows her heart for community impact.
Together, their expertise and lived experience brought a thoughtful lens to the judging process, ensuring that each award was more than just a title – it was a reflection of real, meaningful impact.
The Bee Mindful Awards aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Julie confirmed plans for the event to return in May 2026, once again bringing together those who uplift, advocate, and inspire in the world of mental health and wellbeing.
A new award will also be introduced: the “Be More Ted” Award, created in memory of a young boy whose legacy of spreading joy continues to touch lives. It’s a heartfelt addition that reflects the true spirit of the event – resilience, love, and the power of turning loss into lasting impact for others.
As we look back on the Bee Mindful Awards 2025, our hearts are full. We’re incredibly grateful to Julie Robinson, the judging panel, and the entire community that made this event possible.
This recognition isn’t just for us – it’s for every individual in early years education working quietly and tirelessly to lift others up. The real stars are those making a difference every day, often without applause.
We hope our journey encourages more people to advocate for mental health, inclusivity, and positive change. Together, we can keep building a sector that truly sees and supports every child – and every educator.
This article was crafted in collaboration with Julie Robinson.
Julie is a dynamic and dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience in the education sector. As the Director of Eagley School House Nurseries and co-founder of Mini Minds Matter UK, Julie has made significant strides in promoting high-quality early years education and innovative approaches to mental health and wellbeing for young children.
Julie’s journey in education began as a qualified teacher for 14 to 19-year-olds and a former headteacher. She later retrained as an Early Years Teacher, bringing her extensive experience and passion to the youngest learners.
Her commitment to continuous professional development is evident as she is also a qualified counsellor and a mindful coach.
Nutritional Therapist and Early Years NutritionConsultant
At the intersection of health, nutrition, and early years education stands Louise Mercieca, a dynamic force in the realm of nutritional well-being for young children. A prolific writer with numerous articles and the notable book ‘How Food Shapes Your Child’ under her belt, she has delved deep into the intricacies of how food impacts a child’s development.
Her passion was kindled by two key elements: the journey she undertook with her young son and the extensive research she carried out for her debut book. Not just an author, Louise further extends her reach through the airwaves with her radio show ‘Food For Thought’ on Teacher Hug Radio.
Louise’s commitment doesn’t stop at raising awareness. As an Early Years Nutrition Consultant, she actively collaborates on menu development and nutritional education, ensuring that children receive a balanced and informed start to their dietary journey. Her driving belief is unequivocal: by understanding the bond between food and biology early on, we can preemptively address and potentially prevent many health and dietary issues adults grapple with later in life.
Her dedication to this cause positions her as a beacon for professionals in the Early Years sector, guiding them to understand the pivotal role food plays in holistic child health.
Chef Trainer at LEYF
In the vibrant world of child nutrition and culinary training, Sean Cowden shines as a beacon of expertise and dedication. As of 2022, he took the reins as Chef Trainer for LEYF’s esteemed Early Years Chef Academy courses. Initiated by LEYF in 2019, the Early Years Chef Academy emerged from a pressing need: to guarantee that young learners receive the essential, nutritious food vital for their growth and cognitive development. Through this initiative, chefs are meticulously trained not only in the culinary arts but also in the nuances of child nutrition, sculpting them into experts that inspire children, staff, and parents alike to cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.
Before his esteemed tenure at LEYF Nurseries, Sean donned the hat of a Head Chef at an independent school, bringing his culinary flair to the academic arena. Additionally, his role as a Training Specialist for Gail’s Bakery further showcases his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to the world of culinary arts and education.