Dancing for Health CIC, is proud to announce an extraordinary achievement at the 2026 Move More Awards, securing wins across all three categories for which they were shortlisted. These accolades recognise innovation, dedication, and measurable impact in improving health and wellbeing through physical activity across Sheffield communities.
Tracey Barnes, Managing Director for Dancing for Health CIC says, “I’m absolutely delighted, honoured and still a little shocked to have won three awards at the Move More 2026 Sheffield event. It was an incredible evening, and I felt so proud to stand alongside so many organisations doing outstanding work across Sheffield to support our communities through sport, exercise and physical activity. For me and for Dancing for Health CIC, this recognition means a great deal. It reflects not just what we do, but the real, tangible impact that dance can have on people’s lives. Choreographed movement to music is incredibly powerful.”
The first category was Physical Activity Provider of the Year – for The Stepping Forward Project. This category recognises organisations that provide outstanding opportunities for people to become more active, particularly those facing health barriers. The Stepping Forward project, funded by the Postcode lottery supports individuals living with and recovering from stroke, alongside their carers, to rebuild strength, confidence, and emotional resilience. Dancing for Health CIC collaborated with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and other stroke pathways in the city to support the project with direct referrals to the weekly sessions. Combining seated dance, healthy eating guidance, and peer support and mentorship from Kate Allatt, who has lived experience of surviving a stroke, the programme fills a crucial gap in long-term stroke recovery beyond NHS clinical services.
Winning this award highlights the importance of sustainable, community-based rehabilitation and validates the power of partnership in addressing long-term health challenges. Tracey says, “Having a stroke can have a life long impact and this project aims to provide that longer term support and ongoing recovery whether their stroke was recent or many years ago”
The Community Project of the Year award recognises innovative and forward-thinking initiatives that successfully increase physical activity within communities. This second award was won jointly by Tracey Barnes and Kathryn Rawling, Sheffcare’s Dementia and Wellbeing manager for the Dancing with Dementia project which was funded by Sport England. Through simple, choreographed dance routines, the project enables care home residents living with dementia to reconnect with memories, improve focus, and experience joy through movement and music. The sessions have sparked visible improvements in engagement, communication, and emotional wellbeing. The sessions are really uplifting often filling the room with smiles, laughter, and singing.
Beyond participant impact, the project has trained and up-skilled activity coordinators across all nine Sheffcare homes, ensuring a sustainable programme that continues to benefit nearly 500 residents. Winning this award underscores the profound link between movement and brain health, particularly the role of dance in supporting cognitive function and neuroplasticity. It also celebrates the dedication of care staff and facilitators who bring these sessions to life every day.
The Community Activity Champion of the Year award was the third award Dancing for Health won. This award celebrates individuals who have made a lasting impact by developing and delivering initiatives that transform lives through physical activity. The recognition from this award reflects not just individual leadership, but the collective efforts of the entire Dancing for Health instructor team. Their work spans inclusive seated dance sessions for older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals managing long-term conditions including cancer, Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia.
Over the past year alone, Dancing for Health has supported more than 850 participants, delivering nearly 5,000 attendances. The award acknowledges the dedication of instructors, the strength of community partnerships, and the creation of safe, supportive environments where participants and their carers can build confidence, connection, and resilience. For everyone involved, this award is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven health initiatives and a shared commitment to improving lives across Sheffield.
Securing all three awards at the Move More Awards 2026 marks a significant milestone for Dancing for Health CIC and its partners. A shared achievement, together these award honours recognise not only excellence in delivery, but also the strength of collaboration, innovation, and community commitment. From stroke recovery to dementia care and inclusive community programmes, the impact of this work continues to grow, demonstrating that movement through dance, connection, and compassion can transform lives.
For more information about accessing Dancing for Health’s classes or even training to be an instructor please visit our website www.dancingforhealth.org.uk
Although the real stars of the show are our fabulous clients. See pictures
of the Stepping Forward group for clients affected by stroke and Sheffcare’s Valleywood residential care home for people living with dementia proud of the awards.