Four inspirational women from Making Space shortlisted for prestigious national care awards

Published 25 November 2024

Four remarkable women Making Space, including CEO Rachel Peacock, are in the running for Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the care sector.

The WAGS Awards were established to recognise the achievements of women in social care, who make up 82% of the UK’s 1.59 million-strong social care workforce. This year, four inspiring women from Making Space have been shortlisted across multiple categories.

Alongside CEO Rachel Peacock, who is vying for the prestigious Third Sector Leader title in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the charity sector, three other women from services operated by Making Space have also been shortlisted in different categories.

Sue Smith, who has volunteered for nearly 10 years with St Helen's Family Support (formerly Footsteps), is nominated for Volunteer of the Year. Sue first connected with the service after seeking support following the loss of her partner to substance misuse and has since dedicated her time to supporting others.

Karen Toole, a senior support worker at Rosemary Court in Darlington, is a finalist for the Women in Tech award. Karen, 59, embraced IT skills despite never having turned on a computer, and is now the team’s “go-to” for tech support, according to her manager Rebecca Liddle.

Lynn Mulhaney, a lifelong social care worker at Knowsley Supported Housing, is shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement award. Approaching her 70th birthday, Lynn is celebrated as "the perfect support worker" by her service manager Leah Coggins and is adored by tenants and colleagues alike.

Keri Smith, Associate Director, Making Space, which has its headquarters on Allen Street, said:

"Rachel knows social care from the roots up. Starting out as a youth worker in Liverpool, and now our CEO, she’s fueled by an unwavering passion to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people. She would very much deserve this title and we are all behind her.

"Lynn and Karen are exemplary employees, living out our Making Space values of having courage and tailor making. The support Lynn offers is truly person-centred, and she is always looking to add to her decades of experience with further training opportunities. Karen's bravery in not only facing her IT demons, but upskilling herself to a truly impressive level, are testament to her courage and determination. Sue is a one in a million volunteer and we wish them all the best of luck."

WAGS are an annual national awards' established to celebrate the achievements of women in social care and recognising recognises women who have made a significant contribution to supporting colleagues in the workplace, that have had a real impact on mental wellbeing.

Rachel, Lynn, Karen and Sue will find out if they have won at a gala dinner at the London Hilton Bankside Hotel with Baroness Floella Benjamin on Thursday 28 November 2024.