Double celebration for Making Space at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards!

Published 8 December 2024

Two exceptional women from Making Space, our CEO Rachel Peacock and volunteer Sue Smith, have been named winners at the prestigious Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards 2024!

The WAGS Awards celebrate the incredible contributions of women in social care, a sector where 82% of the workforce are women. This year, two of Making Space’s inspirational colleagues took home top honours:

Rachel Peacock, winner of the Third Sector Leader award, has been recognised by the judges for her visionary leadership as CEO of Making Space. Starting her career as a youth worker in Liverpool, Rachel has risen to lead the organisation with an unwavering passion for improving the lives of vulnerable people and driving meaningful change. Talking about her win, Rachel said:

“When I graduated university in the early 1990s, my first job was with a local community development charity. Working in the Third Sector, I was surrounded by people who inspired me every day, and I’ve made it my purpose to do the same for others. I’m truly delighted to have been recognised with this award.”

The second win came from Sue Smith, who won the Inspirational Volunteer Award in recognition of her incredible journey of resilience and dedication. After losing her partner to substance misuse, Sue turned to St Helens Family Support (formerly Footsteps) for help during her grief. Describing the service as “a lifesaver,” Sue was inspired to give back by volunteering and has spent nearly a decade offering compassionate support to families facing similar challenges. Sue shared her gratitude and pride, saying:

“I feel so proud, honoured, and grateful to have won the WAGS Inspirational Volunteer of the Year award. Receiving recognition for my volunteer work is amazing, and it’s only been possible because of being part of the outstanding Making Space St Helens Family Support team.

When you lose someone to substance use, it stays with you. Volunteering allows me to share my experience and give others a safe space where they feel understood and supported. Knowing I’ve made a difference in someone’s life is deeply rewarding. I’m looking forward to continuing to support others, using my skills and lived experience around addiction to help those in need.”

Sue’s nominator, and Making Space Support Worker at the St Helens Family Support, Tony Murphy, described her as “one in a million,” highlighting her empathy and dedication, which have transformed the lives of countless families. “I am so pleased that Sue has won the award it is well deserved and reflects the valuable work she does as a volunteer in supporting others in St Helens.”

These wins are a testament to the remarkable dedication and passion within Making Space, and we couldn’t be prouder of Sue and Rachel for their achievements.

We also want to celebrate our other incredible finalists: Karen Toole, Senior Support Worker at Rosemary Court in Darlington, who was nominated for the Women in Tech award for mastering IT skills and becoming her team’s go-to tech expert, and Lynn Mulhaney, a lifelong social care worker at Knowsley Supported Housing, who was shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her decades of unwavering service and dedication.

Professor Mike Thomas, Chair of Making Space, added:

"Rachel and Sue are shining examples of everything Making Space stands for - courage, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Sue’s lived experience has made her a beacon of hope for so many families, while Rachel’s leadership continues to inspire us all.

We are equally proud of Karen and Lynn for their nominations and the extraordinary contributions they’ve made to our organisation and the people we support."

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. The awards ceremony, held at the London Hilton Bankside Hotel and hosted by Baroness Floella Benjamin, was a wonderful celebration of women’s achievements in social care.