Triple HSJ Awards shortlist for Helpforce

Helpforce is celebrating an outstanding achievement after being shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Health Service Journal (HSJ) Awards, recognising its work to transform healthcare through volunteering and partnerships with NHS organisations across the UK.

The charity has been shortlisted for its Volunteer to Career programme in the HSJ Partnership of the Year category, while its work with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board has earned two further shortlistings in the Excellence in Narrowing the Health Inequalities Gap and Neighbourhood and Community Care Innovation of the Year categories for the county’s trailblazing Community Gateway and Hubs Network (CGHN)

The HSJ Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in UK healthcare. More than 1,300 entries were submitted this year, with only 231 projects and organisations reaching the final shortlist, highlighting the exceptional standard of innovation taking place across the NHS and wider health sector.

Together, the three nominations reflect a growing recognition that volunteering is not simply an "add-on" to healthcare, but a powerful way to strengthen NHS services, improve patient experience, build healthier communities and help address some of the health service's biggest workforce and capacity challenges.

Inspiring people to build health and care careers

Helpforce's Volunteer to Career programme has been shortlisted for demonstrating how volunteering can be an effective way to support people explore health and care careers.

The programme creates structured pathways that enable volunteers to gain insight into NHS and health and care roles employment, education or clinical training while making an immediate contribution to patient care. Since launching in 2022, it has been adopted by 57 NHS organisations and hospices, supporting more than 630 volunteers. To date, 55% of programme participants have gone on to secure NHS employment or associated further education or training, while NHS staff consistently report improvements in patient care, reduced pressure and better working lives thanks to the contribution of volunteers.

Demonstrating the value of 'care closer to home'

Helpforce's partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, Volunteer Cornwall, Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum and local voluntary organisations has also been recognised through two shortlisted entries celebrating the success of the county's Community Gateway and Hub Network (CGHN).

Together, partners have developed a model that helps people access practical, social and wellbeing support closer to home. The Community Gateway helpline is open 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year, while community hubs provide trusted local spaces where people can connect, get advice, take part in activities and access wider support before needs escalate. 

Working alongside involved organisations, Helpforce has independently evaluated how the CGHN has improve people's health while reducing demand on NHS services.

Over a 12-month period, the network supported almost 340,000 attendances, with 88% of people reporting reduced isolation. Beneficiaries’ confidence in managing their own health increased from 59% to 76%. And Helpforce’s independent analysis estimated more than £11.6 million in avoided NHS costs by enabling people get the right support earlier and closer to home. 

The work has helped develop an evidence-based blueprint that other integrated care systems can adapt as the NHS continues its ambition to shift more care into neighbourhoods and communities.

Amerjit Chohan, Helpforce CEO, said:

"Being shortlisted in three categories is fantastic recognition not only for Helpforce, but for everyone who believes volunteering should be recognised as an integral part of modern healthcare. These nominations demonstrate that volunteers are making a measurable difference - improving patient experiences, strengthening communities, supporting NHS staff and helping people discover careers in health and care.

"We're especially proud that two of the shortlisted projects recognise our partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board. It reflects the strength of partnership across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and shows what can be achieved when communities, voluntary organisations and health services work together to support people earlier and closer to home. We are proud to have worked alongside partners to evaluate and share learning from a genuinely trailblazing model that is inspiring the way in which health leaders across the country think about neighbourhood health.”

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon said:

“I’m delighted that our pioneering and collaborative work in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has not only been showcased as a blueprint for other parts of the UK but also recognised through this award shortlisting.

“It highlights the vital work of our many colleagues across the NHS, local authority and voluntary sector who continue to support thousands of our fellow residents to stay well, manage their own health and get the support they need.”

HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, added:

“It always gives me great pleasure to congratulate our finalists at this stage of the judging process and this year is no exception as we acknowledge Helpforce for being shortlisted in three categories.

“However, it’s always important to remember that the HSJ Awards are not just a celebration of success stories but also a platform to shape the future of the NHS."

The winners will be announced at the HSJ Awards ceremony on 19 November 2026 at Evolution London.