23 Mar 2026 | Posted by Mike Underwood
Ten exceptional people have been honoured by Acis Group at a special ceremony to celebrate learners, tutors and community champions in Lincolnshire.
The Inspiring Futures Awards, held at Mablethorpe’s Campus for Future Living, recognised people who have overcome adversity or shown extraordinary dedication to achieve their goals or support others to achieve theirs.
The inaugural event, on 18th March, brought together the people who work with or for Clip, Riverside Training, Skills Centre Plus, Abbey Access Training and Acis Students – all part of Acis Group’s education and skills teams.
Greg Bacon, Chief Executive of Acis Group, said: “It was truly a privilege for us to hold these awards to celebrate some extraordinary people who have, often against the odds, achieved success that once felt beyond their reach.
“This is exactly what Acis Group is about – being in the heart of communities to deliver vital services when people needs us, whether that’s an affordable home, education, skills, training or wellbeing services.
“Our winners’ stories were powerful, inspirational reminders of why we do what we do and we can’t wait to see what they go on to do next.”
The 2026 Inspiring Futures Award winners:
Wellbeing Champion – Barbara Hancock (Clip / Riverside)
Barbara (pictured right with Claire Woodward, Director of Community Investment at Acis), from Market Rasen, has dedicated over 30 years to supporting others and has been instrumental in developing wellbeing provision across Acis Group. After joining Clip in 2009, she rekindled her passion for learning, achieving a teaching qualification, a Master’s degree and becoming a Mental Health First Aid trainer.
She helped establish the Mablethorpe wellbeing hub and now leads wellbeing services with extraordinary commitment and creativity. Her nominator praised her compassion, energy and unwavering drive to help people rebuild confidence and independence.
Partner of the Year – Linda Wilcox (LN12)
Community Growth Officer Linda (pictured left with Greg Bacon, Acis Group Chief Executive) has been a dedicated and knowledgeable partner through her work with the LN12 Community Interest Company. Her deep understanding of local services and longstanding commitment to young people have made her an invaluable support to Acis learners.
Offering her time each week, she reliably provides guidance, signposting and encouragement - all with warmth and humour. Her contribution strengthens both the learner journey and Acis’ wider community impact.
Community Champion – Eve Overton (Acis Students)
Sheffield Hallam student Eve Overton (pictured left with Elaine Ward, Operations Manager of Acis Students), from Newcastle, is a resident of The Trigon student accommodation in Sheffield which is operated by Acis Students. She has made a real difference to her student community. Appreciating the supportive environment at The Trigon, she took the initiative to create opportunities that benefit her peers and improve student life.
Her passion for helping others and commitment to building a positive community have had a lasting impact, earning her recognition as someone who consistently goes above and beyond.
Vocational Excellence (Adult) – Jake Drury (Abbey Access Lincoln)
Jake (pictured left with Jenny Riordan of Lincs County Council), from Lincoln, was recognised for his determination to overcome barriers and take control of his learning journey. After struggling with confidence and unmet learning needs at college, he joined the Flare programme at Clip and received the tailored support he needed to progress.
Jake has shown resilience, commitment and a renewed belief in his abilities, working hard in the café and pursuing his dream of becoming a chef despite challenges along the way.
Vocational Excellence (Young Person) – Bill Marston (Flare Mablethorpe)
After finding mainstream college overwhelming, Bill (pictured right with Cllr William Gray of East Lindsey District Council), from Mablethorpe, has thrived at Flare, where his confidence and leadership have grown significantly. He quickly became a student representative, supported his peers and helped improve daily life for learners.
His kindness, humour and sense of fairness have made him a respected and valued member of the programme, demonstrating how the right environment can unlock a young person’s potential.
Inspirational Educator – Liz Coldicott (Clip / Riverside Training)
Liz (pictured left with Peter Noble, Chair of Acis Group's Board), from Mablethorpe, was celebrated for her transformative impact as an educator across Clip and the Flare programme. A former pub landlady who reinvented her career, she has spent two decades helping learners of all ages gain confidence and skills in subjects ranging from assertiveness to GCSE maths.
Her passion for education, particularly with Flare learners, shines through in their achievements and personal growth. She continues to inspire new generations with her energy, belief and commitment.
Resilience Award – Zoe Byrne (Access to HE)
Zoe (pictured right with Julie Haywood, Chair of Acis Group's Enterprise Committee) has shown extraordinary strength in rebuilding her life after significant personal and mental health challenges. She has embraced the Access to HE programme as a route to stability and a future career in radiology.
She supports peers with empathy and encouragement and is set for university later this year. Zoe’s determination and courage make her a powerful example of resilience in action.
Learner Recognition (Adult) – Cameron May (SCP)
Cameron (pictured left with Russ Nixon, Principal of Skills Centre Plus), from Scunthorpe, has made exceptional progress through Skills Centre Plus in Scunthorpe, a specialist post‑16 education provider that delivers tailored learning, vocational training, and employability support for young people - particularly those with special educational needs (SEN).
He overcame communication barriers linked to autism. Initially very quiet with unfamiliar people, he found confidence and expression through photography.
He has achieved a Level 1 qualification, is progressing toward Level 2 and will exhibit his work publicly. Cameron’s photos have already featured in Acis marketing, reflecting his growing skills, confidence and ambition for further study.
Our two final winners asked not to be named but they walked away with:
Learner Recognition (Young Person)
Since joining our Flare programme as part of Clip, our winner showed remarkable personal and academic growth. Initially anxious and unsettled, they found their footing and began to excel, overcoming significant life and learning challenges.
Despite the impact of ADHD and difficult personal circumstances, they achieved two grade 5 GCSEs and are now preparing for a bright future in childcare — a journey their tutors are immensely proud of.
Support Staff Excellence Award
Our support staff excellence award winner was celebrated for their calm, caring presence and the trust they earn from learners navigating personal, emotional or academic challenges. Known for offering thoughtful support, they help people feel safe, heard and understood.
Alongside this pastoral impact, they ensure programmes run smoothly, maintain strong relationships with families and consistently go above and beyond. Their reliability, humour and professionalism make them an indispensable member of the team.
The awards were delivered by Acis Group and supported by partners from Lincolnshire County Council, East Lindsey District Council, West Lindsey District Council, and the Department for Work and Pensions.
For more about Acis Group, visit: acisgroup.co.uk