Dignity and respect recognised at St Helens Adult Safeguarding Awards

Published 16 September 2026

Two Making Space colleagues are celebrating after receiving an award for their outstanding commitment to dignity, respect and person-centred support.

Shelley Dempsey and Beth Lake, Assistant Managers at Sherdley Court Residential in Rainhill Village, won The Dignity and Respect Contribution to Safeguarding award at the 2026 St Helens Adult Safeguarding Awards.

The award was presented at a special celebration event held at St Helens RFC Stadium on 14 September.

Organised by the St Helens Safeguarding Adults Board, the awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place across the community to protect and support adults who may be at risk of abuse or harm. They recognise organisations, teams, individual workers and volunteers who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to adult safeguarding.

Shelley and Beth were nominated by Sherdley Court Service Manager Deborah Appleyard for the way they consistently uphold people's dignity, rights, choices and independence while ensuring they receive the support they need to stay safe.

Their nomination highlighted their work supporting a resident through particularly complex circumstances. Shelley and Beth have balanced their safeguarding responsibilities with the resident's right to make their own choices, building trust and providing consistent, non-judgemental support.

Through patience, compassion and perseverance, they have helped the resident engage with specialist support while ensuring that their voice continues to be heard and respected.

Deborah said:

I’m incredibly proud of Shelley and Beth and delighted to see their work recognised. They consistently demonstrate a deep respect for the choices of the people we support and make sure every person's voice is heard and valued.

They have handled some very sensitive and challenging situations with compassion, professionalism and integrity, always balancing safeguarding responsibilities with dignity and respect. They lead by example and help create a culture where kindness and person-centred support are part of everyday practice.

Beth said the awards were also an opportunity to hear about the difference being made across the local community:

It was such a lovely afternoon, hearing about all the positive work that different organisations are doing across St Helens. We’re really pleased to have been recognised and to have been part of such a positive celebration.

Shelley added:

It’s always lovely to be recognised for the work we do, so to actually win was the icing on the cake! We’re really proud to bring the award back to Sherdley Court.

Phil Orton, Deputy CEO at Making Space, said:

We’re incredibly proud of Shelley and Beth. This award reflects the compassionate, person-centred approach they bring to their roles every day – respecting people's choices, listening to what matters to them and supporting them with dignity, even when situations are complex.

Their work is a wonderful example of Making Space's values in action and of how thoughtful, respectful support can make a real difference to people's lives. Congratulations to them both on this thoroughly deserved recognition.

Sherdley Court Residential  Rainhill Village supports people over the age of 50 who are living with mental health conditions. The service provides a homely, friendly and safe environment where residents are supported to lead full and independent lives in pleasant and comfortable surroundings.

Congratulations Shelley and Beth – a fantastic and well-deserved achievement!