Accrington and Clitheroe care workers shortlisted for prestigious care awards

Support worker Jariena Patel, or Jaz, has been shortlisted for the Palliative/End of Life Care Award, which is “given to the person who demonstrates how special and professional they have to be to be able to support someone who is at the end of their life.”

Team leader Corinne Riley is in the running to take home the Frontline Leader Award, which is given to a person who shows a clear commitment to improving the delivery of care and support within their team and displays strong leadership qualities.

This is the second Frontline Leader nomination for Corinne, who was awarded the winning trophy in the same category at our Colleague Awards in September.

Both Jariena and Corinne help people with mental health issues to live independently in their own homes in supported living schemes in Ribble Valley and Hyndburn. Their dedication to their work was recognised by award judges, who shortlisted Jariena for the valuable emotional and practical support she gave to a tenant following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Corinne’s kind, encouraging and supportive leadership and unwavering commitment to both employees and tenants saw her make the shortlist.

Jariena and Corinne have been shortlisted for the North West region, with winners announced at a ceremony at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in November. Regional winners will automatically be entered into the national finals, which will take place in March 2023.

“Being shortlisted for the GBCA awards is literally like a dream, I genuinely can't believe it’s happening,” says Corinne. “I love what I do and have a wonderful team around me. To know that they got together to nominate me for these awards feel very special.”

Speaking of her nomination, Jaz said: “I’ve worked in the care and support sector for the last two decades and truly enjoy my job, so it means the world to me to even be nominated. It was a tough time for our terminally ill tenant, his family and neighbours so I just tried my best to make those sad days a bit brighter.

“Making Space is an incredible organisation to work for and I truly have the best colleagues and manager who all provide amazing support to the teams and service users.”

Phil Orton, Chief people officer said: "Corinne has been with Making Space for over 13 years and her experience and dedication are incredibly valuable to us, her team and the people who use our services,” he says.

“The way she leads her teams and tenants is exactly what the care sector is all about – supporting people to be their best and giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals.

“Jariena isn’t an end-of-life specialist, but she went out of her way to make sure her tenant’s last few weeks were brighter, and she did it with compassion and professionalism. She also supported his family and fellow tenants during what was a very difficult time for everyone. She is a wonderful example of how care professionals can make such a big difference to people’s lives.

“We’re all 100% behind both finalists and will be cheering them on at the ceremony.”

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. They pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work, from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation.