The Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has been named the winner of The Global Health & Pharma 2026 Award for Culturally Appropriate Mental Health Service Provision in Greater Manchester. This achievement stands as a powerful testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff and volunteers across our mental health support services.
The awards are the result of a rigorous, merit‑based selection process led by a panel of expert researchers and judges. Each nominee is carefully evaluated across key dimensions such as innovation, measurable impact, exemplary performance, and their contribution to improving outcomes for service users.
More than a celebration of achievement, the awards highlight individuals and organisations whose work is reshaping the landscape of health and care. By championing breakthroughs and recognising those who push boundaries, the awards shine a spotlight on those driving meaningful progress and transforming lives.
The panel praised Flowhesion’s co-design ethos, highlighting how our programmes are meticulously shaped alongside minority service users to ensure they reflect real experiences, genuine needs and cultural realities. They also commended the deep cultural competency demonstrated by our teams, an understanding of religious identity, cultural nuance and lived experience that meaningfully informs how our services are delivered.
One of the standout services recognised was the Umeed Counselling Service. The panel singled out the work of our bilingual counsellors, noting the skill with which they navigate cultural and religious nuances to ensure service users can engage fully and comfortably with the support offered.
Aisha Khan, Coordinator of the Umeed Counselling Hub, reflected on the achievement:
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award. It reflects the strength, resilience, and diversity of the communities we serve. Back in 2018, our counselling service was built on a simple belief: everyone deserves to be heard in a language and in a way that feels like home. This recognition inspires us to continue breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and ensuring that every voice has a safe place to heal.”
Flowhesion’s Health Hubs in Bolton, Salford and Ashton were noted and praised by the panel for their innovative approach to minority wellbeing. The Hubs combine tots and parenting sessions with a range of culturally appropriate health activities for adults. The panel also highlighted the impact of the Mind, Body, Soul sessions, which teach practical stress and anxiety management techniques through a culturally grounded framework. They further praised the creativity behind delivering activities such as swimming, Pilates and yoga in culturally appropriate ways an approach that has led to strong attendance and tangible improvements in mental wellbeing for participants.
Omar Issa, Flowhesion’s Health Inequalities Lead, shared his thoughts on the award:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It recognises not just our work, but the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Our health hub was built to challenge the inequalities that too often silence minority voices in mental health. By providing culturally informed, accessible support, with investment from our partners, we aim to ensure that no one is left behind. This award strengthens our commitment to equity, dignity, and creating services where every person feels seen, heard, and valued.”