Reflecting on Covid - a touching tribute to our ‘Windmills Not Walls’ campaign
Published 29 January 2025
January saw Making Space proudly receive a beautiful and meaningful painting, now lovingly displayed at our head office in Warrington. Created by Ian Peters, a talented volunteer from our Bolton Carers Service, the artwork captures the spirit of resilience and unity that defined our ‘Windmills Not Walls’ campaign during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Inspired by the Chinese proverb, “When the winds of change blow, some build walls, while others build windmills,” the campaign served as a powerful reminder of our collective strength, adaptability, and commitment to those we support, even in the most uncertain times.
Reflecting on the resilience shown during that period, Making Space CEO, Rachel Peacock, shared her gratitude for the gift and reflections on the campaign:
“I am incredibly thankful to Ian for this wonderful painting and was honoured to spend a lovely afternoon with him, his wife Angela, and daughter Kerry at our Warrington-based Café Connect. This artwork beautifully captures the essence of our shared experiences during one of the most surreal chapters in our lives.
It stands as a poignant reminder of the individuals we lost, the challenges we overcame, and the strength of our organisation, which delivered 100% of our services despite great uncertainty.”
The painting holds deep significance for Making Space and the Board of Trustees, who are committed to ensuring we never forget the experiences of Covid-19. It represents the tireless dedication of colleagues who faced the storm head-on while also grappling with personal losses and fears.
Throughout the pandemic, we celebrated the remarkable efforts of our teams through a photo exhibition showcasing their incredible work and contributions to the people we support. Additionally, we provided a ‘Windmills Not Walls’ payment to all colleagues who stood by our mission during those challenging times—a small token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication.
Rachel continues:
“Social care continues to face many challenges today, but this week I’ve spent time reflecting on our yesterdays. During Covid, my colleagues came to work in the eye of a storm while managing their own worries and personal losses. Despite everything, they showed incredible resilience and determination. Our ‘Windmills Not Walls’ campaign was just one way we tried to keep morale high and remind everyone that, even in adversity, we can build something strong and enduring.”
The painting will be a lasting legacy and will displayed in the Gartside building at our head office, where it will inspire colleagues every day as a testament to the spirit of social care and the incredible teamwork that carried us through.
Thank you to Ian for creating such a heartfelt tribute and to every member of the Making Space family who made our ‘Windmills Not Walls’ campaign so meaningful. Together, we continue to build windmills.
