Five Rivers Honoured With Inaugural Solent 250 Award
Tuesday 23 June 2026
Five Rivers is proud to have been awarded the inaugural Outstanding Contribution to the Solent Region Award at the Solent 250 Awards, held on Tuesday 16th June at the Harbour Hotel in Southampton.
The award, presented for the first time this year, recognises the lasting impact of Five Rivers work across the region and the commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people, families and communities. The recognition followed an in-depth judging process, including an interview with CEO Nicci Willock, highlighting her passion, care and dedication to Five Rivers’ mission of turning children’s lives around.
The Solent 250 Awards celebrate the top privately-owned businesses across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex, recognising excellence, growth and leadership across a wide range of sectors.
On the same evening, Nicci Willock was also named a finalist for CEO of the Year, reflecting her leadership in driving Five Rivers as a values-led social enterprise, ensuring children receive high-quality care, education and therapeutic support.
These recognitions reflect both Nicci’s leadership and the collective impact of colleagues across Five Rivers, as the organisation continues to deliver high-quality care, education and therapeutic support for children and young people.
CEO Nicci Willock said “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised as a finalist in this year’s CEO of the Year Award and for Five Rivers to receive the Outstanding Contribution to the Solent Region award. This recognition belongs to everyone.
“Every day, I see the commitment, care and passion that people bring to their roles, and that is what makes the difference for the children and families we support. We have developed something truly special in Five Rivers, and I feel very honoured to be part of it”.
Together, these achievements emphasise Five Rivers’ ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality services and achieving meaningful, lasting outcomes for children and young people.