Published on: April 15, 2025
The work of the Specialist Team at Compass Changing Lives has been recognised with an award.
Compass, the parent organisation of Changing Lives that operates across the UK, recently held their One Compass Awards. Here, staff nationwide were presented with awards for what they’ve achieved and how they’ve championed Compass values.
The Specialist Team at Changing lives were among those chosen to receive awards, winning the Team Award for Participation
A team of highly diverse skillsets and responsibilities, the Specialist Team is led by Specialist Team Lead Tracey Carey-Meyrick.
At the time of receiving the award, the Specialist Team consisted of Mel Johnson (Engagement and Equalities Practitioner), Carn Truscott (Marketing and Digital Communications Officer), Rachel Ramos (Participation Practitioner), and Meg Young (Training and Consultancy Practitioner), alongside Family Practitioners Carla Barnett, Charlotte Marks and Rebekah Hallas.
The specialist team developed and implemented several impactful initiatives that improve the lives of children, young people, and families Derby and Derbyshire. Their work, individually and collectively, increased participation in the service, and made the support that they offer more accessible, reflecting the values of Compass as a whole.
As part of their Award, the Specialist Team were given the opportunity to plan their own celebration. Together, they chose a Team Day Out at Twycross Zoo. The team thoroughly enjoyed their day out, seeing Chimpanzees being fed up close, having exotic butterflies land on them, and allowing themselves to feel like kids again.
Tracey Carey-Meyrick, Specialist Team Lead, had the following to say about her team winning the award:
“It is a privilege to be part of Compass and to lead the Specialist team over the past two years. During this time, the team has developed and implemented a range of initiatives that support children, young people, and families, with a strong focus on promoting participation, inclusion, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health. Of course, these achievements would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the wider Changing Lives team.”
“It was an honour for the team to receive the Team Award for participation and to celebrate this achievement with a day at the zoo alongside a fantastic group of colleagues who are making a real difference”
Carn Truscott, from the Specialist Team, added:
“I’m incredibly proud of my work at Changing Lives, and I’ve really enjoyed working within such a supportive, fun and creative team. This award is just the icing on the cake!”
The Specialist Team weren’t the only ones from Changing Lives to win an Award. Service Manager Chantelle Ross won the Award for Leader of the Year. She had this to say:
“Whilst initially shocked to receive the award, I am honoured to have received such recognition. I’m incredibly grateful, to be part of such an amazing organisation and service where staff are truly valued.”
Get to know to the Specialist Team a little better, by checking out their profiles on our Meet the Team page here.
See all the winners of the One Compass Awards here.
Derby , Derby and Derbyshire Mental Health Support , Event , suicide