CIC campaigner Leanne Lucas honored at Merseyside Women of the Year event
Leanne Lucas, the driving force behind Let’s Be Blunt CIC, stood out at the esteemed Merseyside Women of the Year awards 2026 as the co-winner of the Women of Courage accolade. Despite the severe injuries she sustained in the tragic 2024 Southport incident, Leanne has channeled personal adversity into valuable advocacy work. Her commitment to leading important dialogues on prevention, education, and safety nationally through Let’s Be Blunt CIC was commended at the ceremony.
The focus of Let’s Be Blunt CIC is to minimize knife-related harm by implementing practical, prevention-oriented changes and emphasizing trauma-informed strategies targeted at young individuals, families, and early intervention measures. In a similar vein, Hayley Smith, the founder of North West HIV Support CIC, shared the limelight with Leanne as a Women of Courage recipient. The organization, fueled by personal encounters and a sense of community duty, provides voluntary support for those affected by HIV. Moreover, it actively combats stigma surrounding the condition through education and advocacy efforts.
Each winner spotlighted during the event played a significant role in improving the lives of individuals in Merseyside and beyond. Michelle O’Dwyer, the celebrated chef and founder of Bay Tree Cookery CIC, was named the overall Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026. Michelle has demonstrated unwavering commitment to combating hunger and fostering inclusivity. Her innovative solutions, such as recipe kits paired with virtual cookery classes, not only equip people with practical skills but also create spaces for diverse groups to connect and celebrate together.
Michelle’s genuine passion for ensuring that no one goes hungry stems from her own challenging upbringing marked by poverty and homelessness. Her efforts to address pressing issues such as food poverty, social isolation, and the importance of inclusivity have left a lasting impact on thousands of individuals. An inspiring woman, Michelle embodies the essence of the Merseyside Women of the Year awards by empowering others to reclaim hope and dignity in the face of adversity.
Through events like the annual Christmas Day dinner to combat loneliness, Michelle has provided a space for hundreds of people to gather, share stories, and enjoy festive cheer. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event, a testament to Michelle’s enduring dedication to fostering connections and building a stronger, more inclusive community. Her remarkable work has not gone unnoticed, with commendations from the event organizers and sponsors for her transformative impact on the lives of many.
In conclusion, the Merseyside Women of the Year awards 2026 shone a spotlight on exceptional women like Michelle, Leanne, and Hayley, who have dedicated their lives to making a positive difference in their communities. Their stories of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.