Making Space celebrates national success at the Great British Care Awards 2025
Published 28 February 2026
Making Space proudly celebrated the achievements of our incredible colleagues at the Great British Care Awards (GBCA) 2026 national finals, held in Birmingham on 27 February and hosted by TV presenter, Ben Shephard.
The awards recognise excellence and innovation across the UK’s social care sector, celebrating individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support people and communities with compassion, courage and commitment.
Following outstanding success at the regional finals, Making Space was honoured to have 12 colleagues and teams shortlisted at national level, including the prestigious Care Employer Award (North West region), recognising our compassionate, inclusive culture where co-production, leadership, wellbeing and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything we do.
Our national winners
We are absolutely delighted to celebrate two national winners who fought off strong competition from regional champions across the country:
Lisa Coates-Peers, Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner – The Putting People First Award
Lisa was recognised for championing inclusion and personalisation, ensuring every individual’s voice and needs are heard and respected. Through her leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and her innovative, person-centred clinical practice, Lisa continues to shape services that are more inclusive, empowering and responsive to the diverse communities we support.
JUDGE'S FEEDBACK:
Lisa, who supports formerly institutionalised individuals brings exceptional skill, patience, and humanity. Her insight guides people safely into everyday care and support, restoring dignity, confidence, and stability. Through thoughtful assessment, advocacy, and steadfast professionalism, she creates pathways to independence and improved wellbeing, making a profound, lasting difference in every life they touch.
Kim Clibery and Heidi Francis, Support Worker Team Leaders, Hollymere Extra Care – The Housing with Care Award
Celebrated for their compassionate, person-centred leadership, Kim and Heidi have created a vibrant, supportive community at Hollymere in Ellesmere Port. Their dedication to promoting independence, tackling loneliness and supporting residents through life’s challenges truly embodies outstanding housing with care. Their warmth, resilience and unwavering commitment have made a profound difference to the lives of older people they support.
JUDGE'S FEEDBACK:
Kim and Heidi have spent 18 years transforming Hollymere, part of Making Space, into a true home for 28 residents with complex needs. Through innovative intergenerational programmes, strong partnerships, and exceptional person-centred care, they enable individuals to transition from institutional mental health settings to independent living, gaining skills, confidence, and meaningful connections.
Highly Commended
We are also incredibly proud that Holly Turner, Senior Support Worker at Swallow Lodge Respite Service (Lincoln) received a Highly Commended recognition in The Care Newcomer Award.
Since joining the service less than a year ago, Holly has made an immediate and lasting impact. Her values-led approach, positivity and strong leadership potential have uplifted the team and strengthened person-centred practice across the service. This recognition reflects both her remarkable contribution so far and her bright future in care.
Celebrating all our national finalists
Alongside our winners, we are immensely proud of all our national finalists, whose dedication and passion continue to transform lives every day.
Making Space was shortlisted for The Care Employer Award, recognising our compassionate and inclusive culture where co-production, leadership, wellbeing and continuous improvement are central to everything we do.
The Huddersfield Road Young Person Support Service was a finalist for The Care Team Award for empowering young people with complex needs to thrive, achieve independence and build fulfilling futures.
We are also incredibly proud of our individual finalists: Lorraine Baines (Knowsley Supported Housing), May Wootton (Bevan Court Extra Care, Coventry), Claire Rouse (Poppy Court Extra Care, Coventry), Chris Hunter (Swallow Lodge Respite Service, Lincoln), Alan Taylor (Rotherham Dementia Carers Support) and Jane McGee (Beyer Lodge Care Home, Manchester). Each was recognised nationally for their compassion, professionalism, leadership and unwavering commitment to dignity and person-centred care.
The Making Change Group & the Making It Real Game Project were also celebrated in The Co-Production Award category for driving innovative approaches that ensure lived experience shapes the future of care.
Every nomination reflects the strength, talent and heart of our teams across the country, and we could not be prouder of their achievements.
Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, said:
Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and these nominations and awards are a testament to their dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to those they support. I am especially proud of our national winners – Lisa, and Kim and Heidi – and of Holly, who was Highly Commended at national level. Their achievements truly reflect the very best of Making Space. Every success reflects the core values that shape our organisation, Kind Hearts, Tailor-Making, Dreaming Big, Having Courage and Being Ready.
To be recognised at a national level is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the extraordinary talent across our organisation. We are immensely proud of every finalist and winner, whose work continues to change lives and strengthen communities.
These achievements mark another important milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Congratulations to all our nominees, finalists and winners, you truly embody the heart and values of Making Space.