Inclusion Education leader behind youth mental health and suicide prevention programme named national award finalist

Marie Greenhalgh, the driving force behind some of Hampshire's most impactful youth mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, has been named a finalist at The National Children & Young People Awards in the Outstanding Contribution category.

As Relationships Director at Inclusion Education, Marie has spent more than 16 years bringing together schools, health services, local authorities, businesses and community organisations to improve outcomes for children and young people facing some of life's toughest challenges.

The national recognition comes after a year in which Inclusion Education's community mental health programme, Project Iris, supported more than 100 young people aged 11 to 25 through its specialist mental health and suicide prevention programme. Every participant reported feeling more able to talk about difficult feelings, while more than four in five reported measurable improvements in their wellbeing. The programme now receives referrals from schools and colleges across the region, alongside CAMHS, children's services and GP social prescribing teams. 

Marie also led Baton of Hope Basingstoke, bringing together more than 130 people and 66 organisations in one of the town's largest conversations about suicide prevention and mental health. The initiative has since evolved into Hope Basingstoke, helping establish one of the UK's first Hope Hubs and creating a lasting legacy of support, awareness and community action.

Her work extends beyond community programmes. Marie has championed suicide prevention within workplaces, helped embed the national BS 30480 Suicide Prevention and the Workplace standard within Inclusion Education, and represented the organisation internationally at UNESCO's World Inclusion Congress.

The Outstanding Contribution Award celebrates people who have made a lasting difference through years of dedication and care. For Inclusion Education, Marie’s nomination is a tribute to her career-long commitment to making sure vulnerable children, young people and families receive support early, before they reach crisis point.

Marie Greenhalgh, Relationships Director, Inclusion Education said: "I was genuinely surprised to learn that I had been nominated. To be recognised in this way is incredibly humbling and means a great deal to me.

While my name is on the shortlist, this recognition really belongs to the many colleagues, partners and young people I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Everything we achieve is through collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to making a positive difference.

I feel incredibly proud of what we have built together, from the early days of Inclusion Hampshire to Project Iris, Hope Basingstoke and so many other initiatives that place relationships, belonging and early intervention at their heart.

To be named a finalist is an honour, but the greatest reward continues to be seeing children, young people and families feel more connected, confident and hopeful about their future."

Cheryl Edwards, CEO, Inclusion Education said: "Everyone at Inclusion Education is delighted to see Marie recognised as a finalist for this prestigious award.

Marie brings exceptional passion, vision, and authenticity to everything she does. She has an extraordinary ability to bring people together around a common purpose and turn ideas into meaningful actions that change lives.

Her leadership has helped create innovative programmes, strengthen partnerships across sectors, and ensure that vulnerable children, young people, and families receive the support they need at the earliest opportunity.

This recognition is richly deserved and reflects the impact Marie has had, not only within Inclusion Education but across the wider community. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and delighted to see her work acknowledged on a national stage."

Finalists will be celebrated and winners will be announced at the Children & Young People Awards ceremony on 22nd October at the ICC in Birmingham.