We’re still buzzing from the Occupational Therapy (OT) Excellence Awards, held on 20th June 2025 in Birmingham, where Cup-O-T picked up three incredible honours:
- Merit for Excellence in the Charity Sector,
- Winner of Excellence in Training for our Peer Support Training
- and the overall Grand Prix Award for OT Excellence.
These wins are more than just trophies on a shelf, they are a testament to the power of community, connection, and the transformative role peer support can play in mental health and well-being.
These awards are a big moment for us, not just because of the recognition, but because they shine a light on something we care so deeply about: creating safe, meaningful support through the power of peer connection, therapy and training.
At Cup-O-T, we’ve always believed that meaningful, sustainable change comes when we empower others to support one another. That belief sits at the heart of our Peer Support Training, a programme built to equip individuals and organisations with the tools, confidence, and framework needed to offer safe, structured support during times of need.
What makes our Peer Support Training award-winning?
Winning the Excellence in Training award affirms what our trainees and partners have been telling us: this training works.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Rooted in lived experience: Our training is co-designed and delivered by people with first-hand experience of mental health challenges and support work. That lived expertise ensures relevance, empathy, and deep understanding at every stage.
- Holistic and practical: We blend therapeutic insight with practical tools to foster authentic peer relationships while prioritising safety and professional boundaries.
- Strengthens communities: Whether you’re a charity, school, business or community group, our training helps you build resilient networks of support around the people who need it most.
- Certified & adaptable: Our programme is adaptable to different sectors and needs, and is backed by a robust framework that ensures quality and impact.
Why the Peer Support Training matters
When we created our Peer Support Training, it came from a place of real lived experience and a belief that everyone should have someone to turn to. We’ve always known how powerful peer support can be—but to have it recognised nationally feels amazing.
What makes our training stand out?
- It’s grounded in real life, complimenting academic theories. It’s designed by people who’ve been there, who know what it’s like to navigate support and systems, and what kind of support actually helps.
- It’s practical, hands-on, and full of heart. We don’t do tick-box training. We build confidence, emotional safety, and real human connection.
- It’s flexible and accessible. Whether you’re a school, community group, non-profit organisation or business, this training gives your team the tools to support others in a safe, sustainable way.
- And most importantly – it works. We’ve seen the impact it has, not just on those being supported, but on those doing the supporting too.
People of all ages are facing rising levels of stress, anxiety, and loneliness. At Cup-O-T, we’re building a network of trained peer supporters who can step in with care, understanding, and meaningful support. This model doesn’t just help individuals, it strengthens whole communities.
See what our Peer Support Alumni had to say about the impact of the training on their lives in our previous blog Peer Support Alumni Celebration.
What the Awards mean
Winning the Excellence in Training award is huge, it tells us we’re on the right track. But taking home the Grand Prix Award (basically the ‘best of the best’) honestly took our breath away. It’s a reminder that small ideas, rooted in community and care, can shift systems and make a difference especially when you have a dynamite team of professionals showing up every day to drive that change.
Come and Be Part of It
If you’re a school, community group, non-profit organisation, charity, business, or simply someone who believes in the power of connection, you can join us.
Our next round of Peer Training will begin soon, and spaces are limited.
Find more information and sign up for updates on training dates here.
This isn’t just a training course. It’s part of a movement to build kinder, more connected communities – one conversation at a time. Be part of the change!
Special thanks to the organiser, sponsor and partners of the Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards:
Organiser: https://occupationaltherapyawards.com/
Sponsor: https://www.theotshow.com/
Media partner: https://www.ottoday.co.uk/
