Double win for Making Space at the 2025 Housing with Care Awards!

Published 11 June 2025

We are incredibly proud to announce that Making Space has won both awards we were nominated for at this year’s Housing with Care Awards, held on Friday 6 June 2025 at the Hilton London Bankside!

Hosted by Care Talk, the awards celebrate the very best in accommodation and support services for older people, individuals with learning disabilities, and those living with mental health conditions. This national recognition shines a light on innovation, compassion, and co-production across the sector – and we’re thrilled to have taken home two major awards.

Care and Support Worker Award – Nichola Sutton

Our first award went to, Nichola Sutton, who works at Harpers Green Extra Care in Warrington, won the Care and Support Worker Award for her outstanding, person-centred support.

After joining Making Space following time spent raising her children, Nic quickly found what she describes as her "true calling and second family." Her warmth, creativity, and natural ability to connect with people have made a lasting impact at Harpers Green – whether she’s singing with someone who’s non-verbal or helping someone regain the confidence to spend time outdoors.

Her manager, Liz Kamwithi, said:

Nic doesn’t see this as work. She thrives on every relationship and truly makes people feel seen, valued and supported. Living our values of compassion, respect, and partnership in everything she does – and now she’s been recognised on the national stage for it. We couldn’t be more proud!

Tenant Co-Production Award – The Making It Real Game

Our second award went to our Co-Production Team, who won the Tenant Co-Production Award for the innovative Making It Real Game. Developed in 2024, this creative, co-produced tool is already helping to spark honest, reflective conversations about care and support across Making Space services.

The award was proudly collected on the night by Liam Bowden, a volunteer and active member of our Making Change Group, a forum made up of people who use our services, volunteers, Trustees, and colleagues, who collaborate on a wide range of topics with the shared aim of improving our organisation from the inside out.

Based on the Making It Real framework from Think Local Act Personal (TLAP), the game uses “I” statements like “I am treated with dignity and respect” to encourage meaningful discussion and promote shared understanding.

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people calling the game “fun,” “thought-provoking,” and “a great way to bring people together.” TLAP has praised the game’s impact and invited us to share it through national webinars.

Rachel Peacock, CEO of Making Space, said:

These achievements reflect the heart of Making Space, delivering compassionate care and ensuring people’s voices are at the centre of everything we do.

We’re so proud of Nichola, our Co-Production Team, and everyone who supported these projects. Their commitment, creativity, and genuine care inspire us all. These awards are a testament to the talent, dedication, and heart that define Making Space, and we couldn’t be more honoured to see that recognised on a national stage.