Making Space celebrates triple nomination for prestigious Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards
Published 9 January 2025
Making Space are thrilled to be nominated for three prestigious national Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, for Community Engagement, Dementia Care, and Compassion.
The Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, established in 2014, celebrate innovation and excellence in the not-for-profit care sector. These awards honour the dedication and impact of individuals and teams who transform lives, supporting both children and adults with care and compassion.
The Connect Hub and Café Connect have been nominated for the Community Engagement Award for their outstanding commitment to fostering mental wellbeing, inclusivity, and community support in Warrington. By seamlessly combining a welcoming café environment with a comprehensive support hub, they have created a safe, stigma-free space where individuals can access tailored mental health support and build meaningful connections.
Making Space Head of Wellbeing, James Bridgewater said:
"We are delighted to be nominated and see our work recognised. Our goal is to improve lives by meeting needs early and providing support before more intensive services are required, easing the burden on the NHS. Through our 12-week programme, activities, groups, and partnerships, we’re committed to helping people overcome challenges. This nomination is a great honour, and we deeply appreciate the recognition."
Carer Support Worker Rosemary Stephen has been nominated for the Compassion Award for her unwavering dedication to supporting her community with kindness, understanding, and a unique ability to create meaningful connections. For over 30 years, Rosemary has been a cornerstone of support in Doncaster and Making Space’s Rotherham Carer Support, creating innovative programs that empower individuals, particularly women from Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities, to overcome barriers and thrive.
Fluent in Urdu, Hindo and Punjabi, Rosemary has a remarkable ability to reach those who might otherwise remain isolated. She has pioneered initiatives ranging from literacy and language support to health and wellbeing programs, creative arts, and stress awareness. Her work not only builds confidence and independence but also strengthens community bonds, making her an invaluable asset to Doncaster.
Rosemary expressed her gratitude for the nomination, saying:
"I am truly honoured to be recognised for my dedication to the wellbeing of the people we support, which has always been my top priority. This nomination inspires me to continue creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and cared for. Seeing the positive impact of my work is the greatest reward, and I remain committed to finding new ways to ease struggles and build a stronger, compassionate community."
Team Leader Janet Griffiths has been nominated for the Dementia Care Award for her exceptional dedication, leadership, and expertise in supporting people living with dementia and their families. As the leader of Sandalwood, a purpose-built social centre in Doncaster, Janet has created a haven where individuals with dementia can access tailored support and enjoy meaningful activities in a warm, welcoming environment.
Talking about her nomination, Janet said:
“I am deeply honoured to be a finalist as supporting individuals living with dementia and their families has been my life’s work, and I feel privileged to lead a service like Sandalwood.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, who share my passion for creating a safe, welcoming environment. Knowing we make a real difference in people’s lives is incredibly rewarding and inspires me to keep learning, improving, and advocating for better dementia care.”
Making Space, Director of Development, Keri Smith, said:
"We are incredibly proud to celebrate these three outstanding nominations. Each nomination reflects the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment of our teams and individuals to deliver life-changing support and create inclusive, compassionate communities.
“From promoting mental wellbeing at Café Connect and the Connect Hub to Rosemary's extraordinary impact in Doncaster and Janet's exceptional leadership in dementia care, these nominations showcase the heart and soul of Making Space. We are honoured to have their contributions recognised on a national stage."
The Connect Hub, Janet and Rosemary will now face interviews and will find out whether they find out if they have won at a ceremony at the Grand Hotel in Birmingham hosted by Sally Lindsay on Friday 14 of March 2025.
These nominations are the latest in a series of successes for Making Space. Our services, colleagues, and initiatives have also been recognised with nominations for the upcoming Great British Care Awards in March and celebrated wins at the recent Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) Awards, where we took home the Third Sector Leader and Inspirational Volunteer awards.
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