Julie O’Donovan Highly Commended at Housing with Care Awards 2025

A passionate leader who helps shape the high level of support at Lifeways has been recognised at national awards. 

Julie O’Donovan, our dedicated Specialist Support Practitioner, was highly commended in the Workforce Development category at the prestigious Housing with Care Awards 2025. 

The Housing with Care Awards, run by Care Talk, are among the UK’s leading celebrations of excellence in supported living, extra care housing, learning disability services, and mental health support.  

This year, they received hundreds of nominations from across the sector, with Lifeways shortlisted in five categories. 

Julie stood out among a strong group of nominees for the Workforce Development Award – a recognition reserved for outstanding professionals who go above and beyond to nurture talent, share expertise, and foster continuous learning.

Judges said: “Julie is a passionate and dedicated specialist whose personalised training and mentoring improve outcomes for both staff and those they support. Her innovative, adaptable approach and commitment to best practice make her an invaluable part of the team, driving continuous improvement in person-centred care.” 

Julie’s passionate dedication to creating bespoke Positive Behaviour Support training has made a real difference in the lives of both colleagues and the people we support. 

Andrea Kinkade, Lifeways’ CEO, said: “Congratulations to Julie for being recognised nationally for the skill, heart, and dedication she brings to workforce development at Lifeways every single day. 

“We couldn’t be more proud of Julie and her achievement shows that Lifeways isn’t just supporting people in our care, we're supporting professionals who shape the future of that care.”