We are delighted to announce the winners for the ACO Annual Awards 2026, kindly supported by Family Fund Business Services, celebrating the outstanding achievements of charities within the ACO network that provide financial and wellbeing support to individuals.
This year’s nominations reflected the remarkable range of work happening across our membership, including the launch of our brand-new Rising Star of the Year category. Our judges had a genuinely difficult task, with a strong field of organisations and individuals demonstrating exceptional impact, innovation and leadership.
We are delighted to recognise the following winners:
Small Charity of the Year
Recognising the outstanding impact of a smaller ACO member charity providing financial or wellbeing support to individuals.
Winner: The Drinks Trust
The judges were impressed by The the sDrinks Trust’s combination of scale, breadth and tangible impact, particularly its holistic approach to supporting the people who rely on its services.
Charity of the Year
Recognising the achievements of ACO member organisations demonstrating outstanding impact, innovation or leadership in how they serve their beneficiaries.
Winner: Clergy Support Trust
Clergy Support Trust stood out for the significant impact it is having in helping families struggling with money, while also working to tackle the underlying causes of financial difficulty.
Campaign of the Year
Celebrating a specific campaign or initiative that made a tangible difference by reaching more people, raising awareness or improving outcomes for those who needed support.
Winner: caba — People Like Me
The judges highlighted the campaign’s impressive ability to democratise access to mental health support and break down barriers, helping more people access the support they need.
Charity Collaboration of the Year
Recognising ACO member organisations that have worked in partnership with one or more other charities to achieve something neither could have done alone.
Winner: Chemists’ Community Fund and Cara
This partnership demonstrated what effective collaboration can look like, bringing together expertise, networks and resources to deliver more together and exceed its initial aims.
Commercial Collaboration of the Year
Recognising a successful partnership with a commercial organisation that delivered real, lasting value for beneficiaries.
Winner: Teaching Staff Trust and Lightning Reach
Working closely together, Teaching Staff Trust and Lightning Reach streamlined the journey for people seeking support and delivered hundreds of awards, despite the charity having just two full-time staff.
Impactful Grant of the Year
Recognising the power of a single grant to change a life.
Winner: Turn2Us Edinburgh Trust
The judges recognised Turn2Us Edinburgh Trust’s initiative and person-led approach, which is co-designed with people with lived experience and focused on helping people move from surviving to thriving.
Charity Leader of the Year
Celebrating an outstanding leader within an ACO member organisation whose leadership has inspired others, driven positive change and made a real difference to the organisation and the people it serves.
Winner: Lewis Allett — Chief Executive, Cavell
Lewis stood out for the scale of the turnaround he has led at Cavell. Taking on the organisation at a challenging time, he has helped stabilise its finances, grow the team and strengthen its purpose and approach to supporting nurses and midwives.
The judges particularly recognised his ability to lead significant change while maintaining a compassionate approach and bringing people with him throughout the process.
Rising Star of the Year
Recognising an individual making an outstanding contribution to the sector in the early stages of their career, with five years or fewer of experience.
Winner: Nathan Killbery — The Insurance Charity
Nathan was recognised as a compassionate and innovative leader whose influence is already extending beyond his own role and organisation, making a wider impact across the sector.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Recognising the continued commitment of an individual who has demonstrated sustained dedication to the sector over an extended period.
Winner: Alison Parsons — Cavell
Alison was recognised for her dedicated and transformational leadership over a decade, during which the number of people supported increased ten-fold. Her lasting legacy made her a deserving recipient of this award.
Celebrating our winners
Congratulations to all our 2026 winners, and to everyone who was shortlisted or nominated. The quality and breadth of this year’s entries are a testament to the vital work taking place across the ACO network to support people facing financial and wellbeing challenges.
We would also like to thank our judges for the time, expertise and care they brought to the process, and Family Fund Business Services for kindly supporting this year’s awards.
Congratulations once again to all our winners!