WARRINGTON-based charity has been named one of the best social care employers in the country.
Making Space, which employs more than 1,000 people nationwide, including 150 in Warrington, came highly commended at the Great British Care Awards.
Judges for employer of the year said that the adult health and social care charity, which is headquartered on Allen Street, has “a focus on kindness underpinning an energetic and values-led philosophy that encourages confidence.”
They also praised the charity’s “creativity and innovation”.
Before receiving the judges’ praise at the national awards, Making Space had previously been named social care employer of the year at the north west regional finals.
Services operated by Making Space in Warrington include Ashwood Court independent hospital and residential care home in Lowton, The Academy supported living in the town centre, Harpers Green extra care housing in Padgate, Warrington Day Service, which supports people living with mental health conditions, and Psychological Wellbeing Service, which offers computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT).
In February this year, the charity announced a pay increase of £1,700 a year for its full time support workers. All employees are now paid a minimum rate of £9.90, which has been calculated as the real living wage.
Chief executive Rachel Peacock said: “At Making Space we care about our colleagues and are passionate about encouraging and facilitating their ongoing professional and personal development.
“Our practice development team offers the provision of learning and support that enables our colleagues to transform their practice, enhance the safety and experience of the people they support and support the development of others.”
Phil Orton, executive director of human resources, Making Space, said: “We’re delighted to have been a regional winner and to be highly commended in the national final is testament to the exceptional work and values-based services that we provide.”
Making Space was established in 1982 in Warrington by David Lyne, a former development officer with the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, to help people with mental health conditions and their carers. The charity now also supports people living with dementia and adults with learning disabilities.
