Staffordshire Ambassador Celebrated at Lichfield Beacon Awards

A Staffordshire Ambassador has received the prestigious ‘Inspirational Impact’ recognition from Lichfield District Council’s Beacon Awards for her outstanding contributions to mental health and employee wellbeing.

This accolade, awarded to Sharon McCormick, Founder and Director of The Listening Centre EAP Ltd, coincides with the release of Drop The Disorder and Do Something, a powerful new book to which Sharon contributed, aiming to reshape mental health culture.

Earlier this year, Sharon’s commitment to these values was spotlighted in a BBC Radio 4 ‘File on Four’ investigation, which positioned The Listening Centre as a “Gold standard” in Employee Assistance Programmes, as endorsed by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

As the founder and Lead Tutor of Adept Central, a not-for-profit college in Lichfield, Sharon has also been instrumental in training the next generation of counsellors. Since its founding in 2017, Adept Central has equipped students with the skills to offer compassionate, client-centred support. In June 2024, the college’s first cohort graduated, all of which have been volunteering for local charities in the county. This achievement is a testament to Sharon’s role in cultivating counsellors who are making an impact on mental health support within the community.

Beyond her professional work, Sharon’s service extends deeply into her community. A ‘We Are Staffordshire’ Ambassador and member of the Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber Executive Committee, she actively promotes employee wellbeing in business. Her volunteer roles with the Royal British Legion and the NSPCC further demonstrate her unwavering dedication to community welfare.

“I’m truly honoured to receive this award and to contribute to Drop The Disorder and Do Something, both of which represent causes that I hold close to my heart. Mental health support is, at its core, about compassion and connection, and I’m privileged to work with a team, local organisations and a community that believes in the power of ethical, trauma-informed care. This recognition, and the opportunity to share our message through the book, reflect the collective global effort of so many dedicated individuals striving to make a difference. Together, I believe we can continue to create spaces where people feel truly heard and supported.”

To find out more about working with Sharon’s award-winning EAP, see www.thelisteningcentre.co.uk