2025 Our People Awards - a day to celebrate our people
Published 25 July 2025
Each year, Making Space brings people together from across the country for a truly special celebration – and this year’s Our People Awards was another memorable day filled with recognition and fun.
Held in July at the spectacular Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, the 2025 event welcomed around 270 guests, to honour the incredible people we support and the power of co-production in action.
Hosted by mental health campaigner and comedian Jake Mills, founder of national charity Chasing the Stigma, the day featured vibrant performances, hands-on activities, and moments recognition. With support from our Making Change Group, the event was co-produced from the outset, a shining example of lived experience shaping something special.
Highlights included an energetic Bollywood Vibes performance that got everyone dancing, a feel-good singalong with the acclaimed Rock Choir, and the day ending with a high-energy set from Ultimate Spice Girls Tribute, getting the whole room singing and dancing along.
Throughout the day, guests explored exciting stalls and activities, including a henna artist, a fun photo booth, a live caricaturist, and a busy raffle run by the Making Space fundraising team, raising vital funds for our work. Our charity partners Wiltshire Farm Foods were also on hand to chat about their meal services.
Attendees could enjoy time in the quiet and prayer room, unwind with arts and crafts, or take in the museum’s fascinating exhibits during lunch and after the event.
This year’s event focused on co-production, making sure the people we support play an active and equal role in shaping the care and services they receive. Our Making Change Group were a vital part of the day, not only helping to plan the event but also hosting a dedicated co-production stall. They spoke to attendees about how they can get involved in shaping services, supporting new staff interviews, improving training, and more.
One standout moment was a Special Recognition Award presented to Ben and Liam, members of the Making Change Group, for their participation in the 2025 Care Innovation Challenge. Presenting a co-production-themed board game called Making It Real, which impressed judges and showcased the group’s creativity, confidence, and commitment.
Take a look at our photo gallery and learn more about co-production at Making Space.
Awards winners 2025:
The heart of the day was the Our People Awards ceremony, which celebrates individuals who live and breathe Making Space’s five core values: Kind Hearts, Tailor-Making, Dreaming Big, Having Courage, and Being Ready.
We received dozens of moving nominations from people we support, volunteers and employees and here are our 2025 winners:
Kind Hearts Award
WINNER: James – Sherdley Court (St Helens)
James’ transformation since joining the service in 2024 has been inspiring. Always ready to help, he lifts others’ spirits, tends the gardens, and spreads joy throughout his community.
Tailor-Making Award
WINNER: Ann-Marie, Michael, Terri and Katherine – Bradford and Airedale Carer Support
This passionate group have tirelessly raised the profile of carers within mental health services, refusing to be discouraged by barriers and always supporting one another.
Dreaming Big Award
WINNER: Daniel – Rock Mount (Clitheroe)
Daniel is a true community champion, volunteering at his local hub, running the Foodbank, and beautifying the garden at his service with care and dedication.
Having Courage Award
WINNER: Paul – Devonshire Road (Liverpool)
Despite facing personal challenges, Paul shows strength, compassion and determination every single day. He inspires others with his resilience and generosity of spirit.
Being Ready Award
WINNER: Alan – Rotherham Dementia Carer Support
Alan is a guiding light for male carers in his area, offering support, sharing wisdom, and raising funds through his artwork, all while caring for his wife.
Making Space CEO Rachel Peacock shared:
The Our People Awards is always one of the highlights of the year for me. It's not just a day filled with laughter and celebration, it's an opportunity to get together with the amazing people we support and welcome new faces.
What fills me with pride is seeing our entire Making Space team – colleagues, volunteers, and the people we support – come together with such dedication to create this incredible event. I’m also deeply inspired by the award winners and nominees, whose stories of perseverance and compassion truly reflect the heart and values of our organisation.
The 2025 Our People Awards was a day to remember, a reminder of the strength, talent and kindness that exist within our communities. Most of all, it was a celebration of the people we support, who do incredible things every day.