Making Space Colleague Awards 2025 honour outstanding care and commitment
Published 12 September 2025
Making Space has celebrated the achievements of its colleagues at the organisation’s fourth annual Colleague Awards.
The awards shine a spotlight on individuals and teams who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations, and make a real difference to the lives of the people they support.
With more than 1,000 employees across the country. This year, more than 200 employees were nominated by colleagues, with 12 winners announced at a gala ceremony at The Edwardian Hotel, Manchester. Finalists enjoyed a three-course lunch, sponsored by businesses from across the UK, before the trophies were presented. The event was compered by UK performer Steve Walls.
Winners on the night included:
Outstanding Contribution Award
WINNER: Jane McGee, Support Worker - Beyer Lodge, Manchester
For her 30 years of phenomenal dedication, versatility and warmth, always putting residents first and creating a true sense of home at Beyer Lodge.
Wellbeing Hero Award
WINNERS: Kim Clibery & Heidi Francis, Support Worker Team Leaders – Hollymere Extra Care, Ellesmere Port
For their warmth, dedication and tireless support of both colleagues and residents, always going the extra mile with kindness and empathy.
Learner of the Year Award
WINNER: Maj Akhtar, Systems & Data Co-ordinator – People Services, Warrington Head Office
Recognised for her exceptional commitment to professional development, progressing from a Level 3 Data Technician apprenticeship to a Level 4 Data Analyst qualification, and using her new skills to streamline processes, support colleagues and improve decision-making across the organisation.
Volunteer of the Year Award
WINNER: Joyce Williams, ‘We All Are One’ Carers Support Group, Doncaster
For her warmth, dedication and tireless support of others – always advocating for fellow members, embracing diversity, and remaining a vital, inspiring part of the team at 80 years old.
Behind the Scenes Award
WINNER: Laura Cregeen, Quality Systems Manager – Quality & Improvement, Warrington Head Office
For her reliability, supportive approach, and always going the extra mile to ensure colleagues have what they need.
Inspiring Leader Award
WINNER: Corinna Bannister, Multi-site Service Manager – Inspiring Minds, Preston
Recognised for her supportive style, positive team culture and calm leadership in challenging times, with staff describing her as “a rock” for both residents and colleagues.
Diversity and Inclusion Award
WINNER: Israt Rolin, Support Worker – Rivacre House, Ellesmere Port
For her positivity and ability to connect with residents and colleagues. As a Diversity Champion, she led an engaging session on Muslim culture and Ramadan that sparked meaningful conversations and brought people closer together and has committed to continuing this work by sharing more cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Newcomer Award
WINNER: Holly Turner, Senior Support Worker – Swallow Lodge, Lincolnshire
For bringing energy, warmth and a person-centred approach that quickly made a real difference to colleagues and the people she supports.
Team of the Year
WINNERS: Knowsley Supported Housing, Merseyside
For helping people move on to independence through strong leadership, teamwork and a long-standing culture of compassion and commitment.
Co-Production Award
WINNER: Carol Harmer, Occupational Therapist – Inspiring Minds, Preston
For working with residents to co-produce a “Knowing You, Knowing Me” guide, which has since shaped Making Space’s national Move On Guide to improve transitions through supported accommodation.
Community Integration Award
WINNER: Kathryn Hird, Carer Support Worker – Calderdale Silver Linings, West Yorkshire
For embodying Making Space’s values by providing dedicated, confidence-building support that reduces isolation for older carers.
And finally, the Jordan Carrington Kind Hearted Award – introduced in 2024 in memory of a much-loved colleague – was presented to the Huddersfield Road Young Person Service in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, for creating a true sense of family and belonging while empowering young people to build confidence and independence.
Celebrating learning, long service and values
Alongside the main awards, 30 learners were celebrated for their achievements, and 31 colleagues were recognised for long service, marking milestones ranging from 10 to 30 years.
The event also recognised the winners of our Living Our Values (LoV) Awards. This monthly programme celebrates colleagues and volunteers who exemplify Making Space’s values – Kind Hearts, Tailor Making, Dreaming Big, Having Courage and Being Ready – in their day-to-day work.
Making Space CEO Rachel Peacock said:
We couldn’t be prouder of our winners, finalists and everyone who took the time to nominate colleagues.
Each and every member of our Making Space team is an inspiration, and these awards give us the chance to recognise and celebrate their compassion, dedication and creativity. Our colleagues truly live our values every day, and we take great pride in the positive difference they make to the lives of the people we support.
GALLERY OF PHOTOS COMING SOON!
Thank you to our sponsors
The awards were made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of local and national businesses, including SDB Electrical, Countrywide Healthcare (part of the PHS Group), Hempsons, Advanced Water Technologies Ltd, Solid State Security, Neuven, Procurem and Montane Insurance.
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