Making Space shortlisted for 11 Great British Care Awards

Published 8 October 2025

We’re delighted to share that Making Space has been shortlisted for 11 awards in the regional finals at this year’s prestigious Great British Care Awards (GBCA).

This fantastic achievement shines a spotlight on the compassion, commitment and expertise shown every single day by colleagues across our services.

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events held across the UK, celebrating excellence throughout the care sector. Their purpose is to pay tribute to individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional support. With 21 award categories covering every area of social care – from frontline care workers and managers, to those driving innovation, training and specialist services – the awards are truly representative of the breadth of the sector.

They are proudly inclusive, recognising contributions from the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers. At the heart of the initiative is partnership, bringing together care providers, local associations and networks to celebrate achievements and share best practice.

Our shortlist

• Making Space – The Care Employer Award, North West region
  Recognised for creating a compassionate, inclusive culture where co-production, leadership, wellbeing and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.
• Huddersfield Road Young Person Support Service – The Care Team Award, Yorkshire & Humber region
  Nominated for empowering young people with complex needs to thrive, achieve independence, and build fulfilling lives.
• Kim Clibery & Heidi Francis, Support Worker Team Leaders, Hollymere Extra Care – The Housing with Care Award, North West region
  Celebrated for their compassionate, person-centred care that keeps older residents active, connected, and supported through every challenge.
• Lorraine Baines, Support Worker, Knowsley Supported Housing – The Care Home Worker Award, North West region
  Nominated for her life-changing support, compassion, and dedication in helping a person through devastating personal loss.
• May Wootton, Support Worker, Bevan Court Extra Care, Coventry – The Care Home Worker Award, West Midlands region
  Recognised for her commitment to professional development, leadership, and delivering compassionate, person-centred care.
• Claire Rouse, Support Worker, Poppy Court Extra Care, Coventry – The Dignity in Care Award, West Midlands region
  Celebrated for her patient, respectful approach that has transformed personal care and restored dignity for the people she supports.
• Holly Turner, Senior Support Worker, Swallow Lodge Respite Service, Lincoln – The Care Newcomer Award, East Midlands region
  Nominated for her immediate impact as a newcomer, bringing leadership, positivity, and person-centred practice that has uplifted the service.
• The Making Change Group & the Making It Real Game Project – The Co-Production Award, North West region
  Recognised for driving co-production through innovative tools that ensure every voice shapes the future of care.
• Chris Hunter, Registered Service Manager, Swallow Lodge Respite Service, Lincoln – The Dignity in Care Award, East Midlands region
  Shortlisted for his compassionate, values-led leadership, creating a culture where dignity, respect, and empowerment are central to every aspect of care, inspiring his team to deliver person-centred support that helps people thrive.
• Lisa Coates-Peers, Senior Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner – The Putting People First Award, North West region
  Recognised for championing inclusion and personalisation, ensuring every individual’s voice and needs are heard and respected.
• Jane McGee (Support Worker, Beyer Lodge Care Home, Manchester) – The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award, North West region
  Celebrated for over 30 years of dedication, kindness, and going above and beyond to enrich the lives of residents and colleagues.

Making Space CEO, Rachel Peacock, said:

These nominations truly reflect the outstanding dedication and hard work of all the Making Space team, and we couldn’t be prouder. As we look forward to the awards ceremonies, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the finalists. Best of luck – your incredible contributions to the care sector deserve every recognition!

The regional finals will take place in November, where the winners will be revealed.