WARRINGTON charity workers scooped three out of 12 awards on offer at a national charity’s annual celebrations.
Padgate support worker Nichola Sutton, regional care recruiter Ria Lyon and IT worker Jack Palfreyman all took home trophies at the Making Space Colleague Awards, which recognise individuals and teams who inspire others and make a real difference.
National health and social care charity Making Space is based on Allen Street, Warrington and employs over 1,000 people across the country. This year, over 200 employees were nominated by colleagues for an award.
All the winners collected their trophies at a gala ceremony held at Manchester’s The Edwardian hotel, where finalists enjoyed a three-course lunch sponsored by businesses from around the country.
Ria Lyon, who works in the charity’s headquarters, received the Behind the Scenes award, sponsored by software provider Nourish, in recognition of the wide range of initiatives she has implemented that have led to successful recruitment campaigns.
Junior service desk analyst Jack Palfreyman, also based at Making Space head office, was given the Newcomer Award, sponsored by SDB Electrical Ltd, for the significant impact he’d made in a short space of time.
And support worker Nichola Sutton, part of the team at extra-care housing development Harpers Green in Padgate, took home the Wellbeing Hero Award, sponsored by Browning Developments Ltd.
Wellbeing Hero award judge Mark Jenkinson, a trustee at Making Space, said: “After several years as a homemaker Nichola feels she has found her job for life. She clearly enjoys helping people to meet their needs and particularly values her morning visit to people’s homes.
“She knows how influential this can be on the rest of their day and always ensures every day starts on a positive note.”
Fellow judge Tom Cruse, associate director of people at Making Space, said: “Nichola eats, sleeps and breathes the ethos and underpinning values of Making Space. She believes she has found her true calling at Harpers Green, enjoys her work and is always happy to take on extra shifts to help whenever she’s needed. We need more Nicholas to join Making Space!”
Judges of the Newcomer Award, Jan Felton of Training Unlimited and Making Space trustee Tim Quinlan, said: “Jack was an outstanding nominee. He clearly wants to make the lives of the people who use Making Space services better, and really sees the value of what he does in helping to achieve that.”
And Behind the Scenes award judges Nick Farmer, Making Space chief operations officer, and Emily Blackburn, operations coordinator at Paragon Skills, said of Ria: “Her passion and kindness really stood out, and her role has had a real impact on Making Space and the services it provides.”
Winner Ria said: “It was such an inspiring day, celebrating our amazing colleagues who live our values every day and give their best selves to the people we support.
“I feel privileged to be part of the Making Space team and it’s a great feeling to be recognised for the support I provide in my role. It’s also a great reminder that positivity, dedication and collaboration can produce great outcomes.”
Jack said of his win: “My job on the helpdesk is behind the scenes but I know it ultimately affects people who are vulnerable – I’m like a bridge between the support teams and the people who use the services. It feels great to know this is recognised by the judges.”
And support worker Nichola said: “I look forward to going to work, everyone at Harpers Green feels like my second family. To win the Wellbeing Award for singing, laughing and generally having a lovely time was such a pleasant surprise – and also a wonderful day out with the team!”
Phil Orton, chief people officer, Making Space, said: “I am continually inspired by the amazing work I witness throughout our services, and these awards for our Warrington colleagues show the value and impact of every role behind the scenes as well as on the frontline of services.
“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, which is why we embrace the opportunity to recognise and value their incredible work and take pride in the positive.”
Now in their third year, the Making Space Colleague Awards are held to recognise and pay tribute to the individuals and teams amongst the charity’s 1000 nationwide employees who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference.
