Charity workers walk away with four awards

WARRINGTON charity workers have beaten stiff competition to win four Making Space Awards.

The winners were recognised for their hard work by Warrington-based national adult health and social care charity Making Space, which held its first awards ceremony to mark its 40th anniversary.
Trophies were handed out in 12 categories, with over 250 nominations received from all over the UK.
The winners were presented with a certificate and trophy by Andy Grant – motivational speaker, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and the world’s fastest single leg amputee in the world over 10km – at an award ceremony at Manchester’s Mercure Hotel.

Rachel Munn, head of Warrington’s Psychological Wellbeing Services, which offers computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT), was given the Outstanding Contribution award in recognition of her commitment to quality and constant improvement.
Maria Marano, who works with the Warrington Day Service, which supports people living with mental health conditions, was named Learner of the Year. A qualified social worker, Maria began volunteering after taking a work break to look after her three children. When she realised how many people were waiting for talking therapy, she decided to train as a counsellor.
The Making Space fundraising team – Bob Towers and Natalie Bargery – was given the Innovator Award for its proactive approach to finding and securing new funding streams during the pandemic lockdowns, and for ensuring that services aimed at reducing isolation weren’t negatively impacted.
And the IT team was recognised for the changes it made during the height of the pandemic. As well as setting up employees and services with the IT equipment, software and support they needed to continue, they also delivered vital PPE to services across the country.

Award winner Rachel said: “Winning the Outstanding Contribution award means the world to me. I am privileged to be able to do the work that I do, but it was so lovely to be recognised for it. I’ve worked for Making Space for a long time and I was honoured to be chosen.
“I have to say though I couldn’t do what I do without my amazing team, we work together and support each other and we all share the same values and beliefs.”

Fellow trophy-holder Maria said: “I started volunteering with Warrington Day Service last May, working with the groups doing arts and craft and cooking groups, which I loved.
“The more one-to-one work I did, the more I realised people were waiting a very long time to get the mental health help they needed. I was in a situation where I could help, so I started work on the counselling qualifications.
“I’m actually amazed to receive an award for something that is helping me to be better.”

Chris Mizzi, head of IT, said: “I am extremely proud of my team and very pleased that all their hard work and effort has been acknowledged by the rest of the organisation.
“Jamie Chimes and Jordan Carrington on the service desk are the front line, calmly and professionally providing support for over 1,200 nationwide Making Space employees.
“Field engineer Andrew Haworth is constantly criss-crossing England, visiting over 90 locations, providing onsite support and guidance on how the technology can help our sites provide the best service. And while most of the organisation is probably not even aware of Office 365 engineer Francis Jones, the role he plays has the greatest impact on the organisation and lays the foundation that allows a team as small as ours to support an organisation as large as Making Space.
“They are a real credit to the organisation and very deserving of this award.”

Over 250 people across the UK were nominated for the inaugural Making Space Awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award. The awards have been established to recognise and pay tribute to the charity’s 1,200 employees who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference to the lives of the people they support.