Charity shortlisted for seven care awards

A WARRINGTON- based charity has been shortlisted for seven care awards.
Making Space, which has its headquarters on Allen St, is in the running for seven Great British Care Awards, including one for care employer of the year.
The adult health and social care charity employs over 1,000 people around the UK.
One of its Warrington employees, facilities assistant Neil O’Toole, is himself up for an award. The former civil engineering and construction business owner started working with the charity in 2011 and hasn’t looked back.
He said: “I get a lot of pleasure from doing very simple things, because I can see the difference it makes to people’s lives. Working on big outdoor jobs, on bridges and in sewers, with my previous company was anonymous.
“Here, I’m being welcomed into people’s homes and personal spaces, and I see how happy what I’m doing makes them. People are so genuine when they thank me – something as simple as hanging a picture brings a joy and appreciation that’s wonderful to experience. And it’s every day.”
Rachel Peacock, Making Space’s chief executive officer, said: “Neil comes into contact with many people who use our services every day, and every one of them is full of praise for him.
“He has a gentle humour, an empathetic manner and time for everyone. He’s friendly and approachable and people really enjoy seeing him around and chatting to him.
“Staff and residents alike all have the highest respect for Neil, and he thoroughly deserves recognition, as do all of our other shortlisted employees.
”We are also all on tenterhooks waiting to hear if Making Space is going to be named care employer of the year.”
This year, Making Space has worked with 15,000 adults living with mental health conditions, dementia or learning disabilities, within their communities and in supported housing, extra care housing and residential care homes.
On World Mental Health Day the work of Warrington Day Service, operated by Making Space, was featured on ITV’s Tonight programme.
Neil and the rest of the Making Space employees will find out whether they have won at a gala awards evening on 26 Oct at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Anyone interested in volunteering with Making Space can contact [email protected] or speak to Antonia Pike, Liz Butler or Mark Thornton on 01925 581747.