Clitheroe care team wins national social care award. A support team in Clitheroe from Making Space has been recognised nationally after winning an award celebrating outstanding social care teams across the UK. The Mitchell Street team, part of Clitheroe & Accrington Supported Living and Outreach service, were named winners of The Joy Makers Award at the Stars of Social Care Awards. Held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on May 8 and hosted by Josie Gibson, the awards celebrate collaboration, compassion and dedication across the social care sector. The Joy Makers Award recognises teams who create moments of happiness, positivity and connection for the people they support through creative, person-centred care. The Mitchell Street team from Making Space celebrate winning the Joy Makers Award at the Stars of Social Care 2026 (Image: Making Space) Supporting adults over 18 with mental health conditions and learning disabilities, the Mitchell Street team were praised for creating a welcoming environment where people feel valued, and supported to thrive. The team runs activities including chess, dominoes, meal clubs, football sessions, gym visits, walking groups, and social outings to help people build confidence, friendships, and independence. Judges said the team lived up to the name "Joy Makers" in every sense, highlighting the warmth, humour, and creativity they bring to everyday life. The panel also recognised the team's response during recent flooding, when tenants had to be urgently evacuated from their homes. Staff helped pack belongings, arrange temporary accommodation and continued providing emotional support through visits and phone calls. One person supported by the service regularly travels more than 11 miles independently just to spend time at Mitchell Street, despite having support available much closer to home. Corinne Riley, service manager at Making Space, said: "We are incredibly proud and honoured to accept this award together as a team. "This recognition truly belongs to every member of the team because we all go above and beyond every day. "There is a real sense of teamwork, respect, and care between us all, and we genuinely believe that is what makes us successful." Jenny MacLeod, regional head of operations, said the team's "can do" attitude and commitment to inclusion make "a real difference to the lives of the people they support". Making Space chief executive, Rachel Peacock, added: "Their compassion, creativity and dedication to the people they support truly reflect our Making Space values in action."

Making Space is absolutely delighted to share that Making Space has been crowned winner of the Care Innovation Challenge 2025 at the Care Show in Birmingham!