Accrington charity worker awarded for work with Making Space

Corinne Riley, from Accrington, was named frontline leader of the year by Making Space, the national health and social care charity for adults with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, dementia and their carers.

The charity, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, employs more than 1,200 people across the UK.

Corrine was recognised for her “constant positive attitude” and the “tender loving care” approach she shows towards both tenants and colleagues.

She was presented with a certificate and trophy by Andy Grant, a motivational speaker, Iraq and Afghanistan veteran and the world’s fastest single leg amputee in the world over 10km, at an award ceremony at the Manchester Mercure Hotel.

Corinne began with Making Space as a support worker 13 years ago and has worked her way up to a leadership role.

She was nominated for the award by five of the team members at the supported living services in Accrington and Clitheroe.

Nominees described Corinne as having “a heart of gold”, “always inspiring people to do better”, “always putting the needs of others first,” the “biggest cheerleader” for her teams and service users and “the best team leader ever”.

More than 250 people were nominated for the Making Space awards, with three individuals or teams shortlisted for each award.

The judges, Making Space trustee Elaine Johnstone and head of digital people services Tom Cruse, said it was clear Corinne was well loved and respected.

Elaine said: "Corrine's heart is in everything she does and this shows with the team and the service-users.

“She has a person-centred approach and makes everyone feel valued. She instils confidence in people and their abilities and is always open to suggestions for improving services.

“She helps people to follow up their ideas and always has time for feedback.”

Corrine said: “Winning the award made me feel extra valued and appreciated for all the hard work my team and I have been doing for the people we support.

“We have all felt the difficulties of the past couple of years and it has impacted people in various ways, but Making Space has ensured people are put first and that we are all valued.

“When the winner was announced I began clapping immediately thinking it was another amazing colleague that had won the award. I didn’t realise it was my name that had been called until my partner prompted me!

“Making Space is an amazing organisation to work for and when I was put up for the nomination it came as a great surprise. Thank you to everyone involved.”

The inaugural Making Space Colleague Awards have been established to recognise and pay tribute to individuals and teams who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference to the lives of the people supported by Making Space.